IPC 179 to BNS 214: Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
Section 179 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 214 BNS (2023)
IPC 179 to BNS 214 at a Glance
Section 179 IPC (Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question) is now Section 214 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 179 to BNS 214?
Section 179 IPC is now Section 214 BNS, with the same title and the same words. The one change is the fine: the limit is raised from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. The term of simple imprisonment is still up to six months.
IPC 179 vs BNS 214: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 179 | 214 |
| Offence | Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question | Same |
| Punishment | Simple imprisonment for up to six months. | Same |
| Fine | Fine of up to one thousand rupees. The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. | Fine of up to five thousand rupees. The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. |
| Bail | Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Non-Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | The Court in which the offence is committed, subject to the provisions of Chapter XXVI; or, if not committed in a Court, any Magistrate | Same |
IPC 179 and BNS 214: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 179, IPC 1860
Section 214, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 179 vs BNS 214
- The accused was legally bound to state the truth on a subject to a public servant
- The public servant demanded an answer to a question touching that subject
- The public servant demanded the answer in the exercise of his legal powers
- The accused refused to answer the question
- A legal duty of the accused to state the truth on a subject to a public servant
- A question on that subject demanded by the public servant in the exercise of his legal powers
- Refusal by the accused to answer that question
What IPC 179 to BNS 214 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 179 to BNS 214
What changed when Section 179 IPC became Section 214 BNS?▼
The number and the fine limit. Section 214 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 179 IPC, but the fine may now extend to five thousand rupees instead of one thousand rupees. The simple imprisonment limit of six months is unchanged.
Where does Section 179 IPC sit in the BNS?▼
In Section 214 BNS, in Chapter XIII, Of Contempts of the Lawful Authority of Public Servants.
Does Section 179 IPC or Section 214 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 179 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 179 IPC. Section 214 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 ·