IPC 151→BNS 189(5)

IPC 151 to BNS 189(5): Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse

Section 151 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 189(5) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 151 →View BNS Section 189(5) →

IPC 151 to BNS 189(5) at a Glance

Section 151 IPC (Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse) is now Section 189(5) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 151 to BNS 189(5)?

Section 151 IPC is now Section 189(5) BNS, with the same words in the lead and the same punishment. Only the Explanation changes. It refers to sub-sections 1 and 3 of Section 189 BNS in place of Sections 141 and 145 IPC, and it reads shall be punishable where the IPC reads will be punishable. The BNS gives the sub-section no title of its own, and it sits under Section 189 BNS, headed Unlawful assembly.

IPC 151 vs BNS 189(5): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section151189(5)
OffenceKnowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperseSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to six months.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 151 and BNS 189(5): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 151, IPC 1860

151. Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.—Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both. Explanation.—If the assembly is an unlawful assembly within the meaning of section 141, the offender will be punishable under section 145.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 189(5), BNS 2023

(5) Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both. Explanation.—If the assembly is an unlawful assembly within the meaning of sub-section (1), the offender shall be punishable under sub-section (3).

Ingredients: IPC 151 vs BNS 189(5)

Under IPC 151
  1. An assembly of five or more persons
  2. The assembly is likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace
  3. The assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse
  4. The accused knowingly joins or continues in the assembly after the command
Under BNS 189(5)
  1. An assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace
  2. A lawful command to the assembly to disperse
  3. The accused knowingly joining or continuing in the assembly after that command

What IPC 151 to BNS 189(5) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 151 IPC (now Section 189(5) BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 189(5) BNS and is framed as before. Where the assembly is an unlawful assembly, the Explanation now points to sub-sections 1 and 3 of Section 189 BNS, which carry the definition and the offence that Sections 141 and 145 IPC carried.

FAQs: IPC 151 to BNS 189(5)

What changed when Section 151 IPC became Section 189(5) BNS?▼

Only the Explanation. Section 189(5) BNS repeats the lead and the punishment of Section 151 IPC. The Explanation points to sub-sections 1 and 3 of Section 189 BNS where the IPC points to Sections 141 and 145, and it says shall be punishable where the IPC says will be punishable.

Where does Section 151 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 189(5) BNS, in Chapter XI, Of Offences Against the Public Tranquillity. Section 189 BNS is headed Unlawful assembly.

Does Section 151 IPC or Section 189(5) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 151 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 151 IPC. Section 189(5) 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 ·