IPC 159 in BNS: Find the New Section and What Changed

What Changed From IPC 159 to BNS 194(1)?

Section 159 IPC is now Section 194(1) BNS, with the same title and the same words. Section 194 BNS also carries the punishment for committing an affray in sub-section 2. That sub-section raises the highest fine from one hundred rupees to one thousand rupees. The imprisonment of up to one month is unchanged.

IPC 159 vs BNS 194(1): Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	159	194(1)
Offence	Affray	Same
Punishment	None of its own. Committing an affray is punished under Section 160 IPC with imprisonment of either description for up to one month.	None of its own. Committing an affray is punished under Section 194(2) BNS with imprisonment of either description for up to one month.
Fine	None of its own. Section 160 IPC allows fine of up to one hundred rupees instead of imprisonment or together with it.	None of its own. Section 194(2) BNS allows fine of up to one thousand rupees instead of imprisonment or together with it.
Bail	Non-Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Non-Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same

IPC 159 and BNS 194(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 159, IPC 1860

159. Affray.—When two or more persons, by fighting in a public place, disturb the public peace, they are said to “commit an affray”.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 194(1), BNS 2023

(1) When two or more persons, by fighting in a public place, disturb the public peace, they are said to commit an affray.

Ingredients: IPC 159 vs BNS 194(1)

Under IPC 159

Two or more persons
The persons fight
The fighting is in a public place
The fighting disturbs the public peace

Under BNS 194(1)

Two or more persons fighting in a public place
The fighting disturbs the public peace

What IPC 159 to BNS 194(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 159 IPC (now Section 194(1) BNS): the definition is unchanged. A charge of committing an affray for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 194(1) BNS for what an affray is and Section 194(2) BNS for the punishment, where the highest fine is now one thousand rupees.

FAQs: IPC 159 to BNS 194(1)

What changed when Section 159 IPC became Section 194(1) BNS?▼

Nothing in the definition. Section 194(1) BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 159 IPC. The change in Section 194 BNS is in sub-section 2, which raises the highest fine for committing an affray from one hundred rupees to one thousand rupees.

Where does Section 159 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 194(1) BNS, in Chapter XI, Of Offences Against the Public Tranquillity. Sub-section 2 carries the punishment for committing an affray.

Does Section 159 IPC or Section 194(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 159 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 159 IPC. Section 194(1) BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 159 to BNS 194(1): Affray

IPC 159 to BNS 194(1) at a Glance