IPC 171→BNS 205

IPC 171 to BNS 205: Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent

Section 171 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 205 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 171 →View BNS Section 205 →

IPC 171 to BNS 205 at a Glance

Section 171 IPC (Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent) is now Section 205 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 171 to BNS 205?

Section 171 IPC is now Section 205 BNS, with the same title and the same words for the offence. The only change is the fine, whose ceiling rises from two hundred rupees to five thousand rupees.

IPC 171 vs BNS 205: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section171205
OffenceWearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intentSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to three months.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine up to two hundred rupees alone or with both imprisonment and fine.The offender may be punished with fine up to five thousand rupees alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 171 and BNS 205: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 171, IPC 1860

171. Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent.—Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 205, BNS 2023

Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 171 vs BNS 205

Under IPC 171
  1. The accused did not belong to a certain class of public servants
  2. The accused wore a garb or carried a token resembling a garb or token used by that class of public servants
  3. The accused did so with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants
Under BNS 205
  1. Not belonging to a certain class of public servants
  2. The accused wore a garb or carried a token resembling one used by that class
  3. The intention that it may be believed, or the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class

What IPC 171 to BNS 205 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 171 IPC (now Section 205 BNS): the conduct covered and the term of imprisonment are unchanged, but the fine ceiling is now five thousand rupees instead of two hundred rupees. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 205 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 171 to BNS 205

What changed when Section 171 IPC became Section 205 BNS?▼

The number and the fine. Section 205 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 171 IPC, but the fine may now extend to five thousand rupees instead of two hundred rupees. The imprisonment of up to three months is the same.

Where does Section 171 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 205 BNS, in Chapter XII, Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants.

Does Section 171 IPC or Section 205 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 171 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 171 IPC. Section 205 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 ·