IPC 169→BNS 203

IPC 169 to BNS 203: Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property

Section 169 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 203 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 169 →View BNS Section 203 →

IPC 169 to BNS 203 at a Glance

Section 169 IPC (Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property) is now Section 203 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 169 to BNS 203?

Section 169 IPC is now Section 203 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

IPC 169 vs BNS 203: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section169203
OffencePublic servant unlawfully buying or bidding for propertySame
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for up to two years.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both simple imprisonment and fine. The property, if purchased, shall also be confiscated.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 169 and BNS 203: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 169, IPC 1860

169. Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property.—Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant, not to purchase or bid for certain property, purchases or bids for that property, either in his own name or in the name of another, or jointly, or in shares with others, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both; and the property, if purchased, shall be confiscated.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 203, BNS 2023

Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant, not to purchase or bid for certain property, purchases or bids for that property, either in his own name or in the name of another, or jointly, or in shares with others, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both; and the property, if purchased, shall be confiscated.

Ingredients: IPC 169 vs BNS 203

Under IPC 169
  1. The accused was a public servant
  2. The accused was legally bound, as such public servant, not to purchase or bid for certain property
  3. The accused purchased or bid for that property, in his own name or in the name of another, or jointly, or in shares with others
Under BNS 203
  1. A public servant who is legally bound, as such public servant, not to purchase or bid for certain property
  2. Purchase of that property, or a bid for it, by that public servant in his own name or in the name of another, or jointly, or in shares with others
  3. Confiscation of the property if it was purchased

What IPC 169 to BNS 203 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 169 IPC (now Section 203 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so the charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 203 BNS and is framed exactly as before.

FAQs: IPC 169 to BNS 203

What changed when Section 169 IPC became Section 203 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 203 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 169 IPC, and the punishment is the same.

Where does Section 169 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 203 BNS, in Chapter XII, Of Offences By or Relating to Public Servants.

Does Section 169 IPC or Section 203 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 169 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 169 IPC. Section 203 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 ·