IPC 131→BNS 159

IPC 131 to BNS 159: Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty

Section 131 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 159 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 131 →View BNS Section 159 →

IPC 131 to BNS 159 at a Glance

Section 131 IPC (Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty) is now Section 159 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 131 to BNS 159?

Section 131 IPC is now Section 159 BNS, with the same words and the same punishment. The one change is that Section 159 BNS has no Explanation. The IPC Explanation, which made the section cover a person subject to the Army Act, the Naval Discipline Act or the Air Force Act, is not carried into the BNS.

IPC 131 vs BNS 159: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section131159
OffenceAbetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his dutySame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 131 and BNS 159: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 131, IPC 1860

131. Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty.—Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India or attempts to seduce any such officer, soldier, sailor or airman from his allegiance or his duty, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—In this section the words “officer”, “soldier”, “sailor” and “airman” include any person subject to the Army Act, the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950), the Naval Discipline Act, the Indian Navy (Discipline) Act, 1934 (34 of 1934), the Air Force Act or the Air Force Act, 1950 (45 of 1950), as the case may be.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 159, BNS 2023

Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India or attempts to seduce any such officer, soldier, sailor or airman from his allegiance or his duty, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 131 vs BNS 159

Under IPC 131
  1. The person concerned was an officer, soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India, or a person subject to the Army Act, the Naval Discipline Act or the Air Force Act
  2. The accused either abetted the committing of mutiny by that person, or attempted to seduce that person from his allegiance or his duty
Under BNS 159
  1. An officer, soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India
  2. Abetting the committing of mutiny, or attempting to seduce that person from his allegiance or his duty

What IPC 131 to BNS 159 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 131 IPC (now Section 159 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, but a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 159 BNS, which has no Explanation. Whether a person subject to the Army Act, the Naval Discipline Act or the Air Force Act is covered must then be read from the words of the section alone.

FAQs: IPC 131 to BNS 159

What changed when Section 131 IPC became Section 159 BNS?▼

The number, and the Explanation. Section 159 BNS repeats the words of Section 131 IPC and the punishment is the same, but it has no Explanation about persons subject to the Army Act, the Naval Discipline Act or the Air Force Act.

Where does Section 131 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 159 BNS, the first section of Chapter VIII, Of Offences Relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Does Section 131 IPC or Section 159 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 131 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 131 IPC. Section 159 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·