IPC 202→BNS 239

IPC 202 to BNS 239: Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform

Section 202 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 239 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 202 →View BNS Section 239 →

IPC 202 to BNS 239 at a Glance

Section 202 IPC (Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform) is now Section 239 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 202 to BNS 239?

Section 202 IPC is now Section 239 BNS, with the same title and the same words except for the fine. The IPC fixes no maximum for the fine. Section 239 BNS caps it at five thousand rupees.

IPC 202 vs BNS 239: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section202239
OffenceIntentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to informSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to six months.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. The section fixes no maximum for the fine.Fine up to five thousand rupees. The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 202 and BNS 239: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 202, IPC 1860

202. Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform.—Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, intentionally omits to give any information respecting that offence which he is legally bound to give, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 239, BNS 2023

Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, intentionally omits to give any information respecting that offence which he is legally bound to give, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 202 vs BNS 239

Under IPC 202
  1. The accused knew or had reason to believe that an offence had been committed
  2. The accused was legally bound to give information respecting that offence
  3. The accused intentionally omitted to give that information
Under BNS 239
  1. The commission of an offence that the accused knew or had reason to believe had been committed
  2. A legal duty on the accused to give information respecting that offence
  3. Intentional omission by the accused to give that information

What IPC 202 to BNS 239 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 202 IPC (now Section 239 BNS): the offence is the same, but a fine under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 cannot exceed five thousand rupees, where the Indian Penal Code set no maximum. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 239 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 202 to BNS 239

What changed when Section 202 IPC became Section 239 BNS?▼

Only the fine. Section 239 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 202 IPC but limits the fine to five thousand rupees, where the IPC sets no maximum. The imprisonment of up to six months is the same.

Where does Section 202 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 239 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 202 IPC or Section 239 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 202 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 202 IPC. Section 239 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 ·