IPC 203→BNS 240

IPC 203 to BNS 240: Giving false information respecting an offence committed

Section 203 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 240 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 203 →View BNS Section 240 →

IPC 203 to BNS 240 at a Glance

Section 203 IPC (Giving false information respecting an offence committed) is now Section 240 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 203 to BNS 240?

Section 203 IPC is now Section 240 BNS, with the same title, the same punishment and the same words in the main paragraph. Only the Explanation differs. It now refers to Sections 238 and 239 BNS in place of Sections 201 and 202 IPC, and it lists BNS sections in place of the IPC sections 302, 304, 382 and the rest of the IPC list.

IPC 203 vs BNS 240: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section203240
OffenceGiving false information respecting an offence committedSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to two years.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 203 and BNS 240: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 203, IPC 1860

203. Giving false information respecting an offence committed.—Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, gives any information respecting that offence which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. Explanation.—In sections 201 and 202 and in this section the word “offence” includes any act committed at any place out of India, which, if committed in India, would be punishable under any of the following sections, namely, 302, 304, 382, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 402, 435, 436, 449, 450, 457, 458, 459 and 460.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 240, BNS 2023

Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, gives any information respecting that offence which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. Explanation.—In sections 238 and 239 and in this section the word “offence” includes any act committed at any place out of India, which, if committed in India, would be punishable under any of the following sections, namely, 103, 105, 307, sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) of section 309, sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of section 310, 311, 312, clauses (f) and (g) of section 326, sub-sections (4), (6), (7) and (8) of section 331, clauses (a) and (b) of section 332.

Ingredients: IPC 203 vs BNS 240

Under IPC 203
  1. The accused knew or had reason to believe that the offence had been committed
  2. The accused gave information respecting that offence
  3. The accused knew or believed that information to be false
Under BNS 240
  1. An offence that has been committed
  2. Knowledge or reason to believe on the part of the accused that the offence has been committed
  3. Information respecting that offence given by the accused
  4. Knowledge or belief of the accused that the information is false

What IPC 203 to BNS 240 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 203 IPC (now Section 240 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so the charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 240 BNS. The Explanation in that section cites Sections 238 and 239 BNS and the BNS sections of the offences it lists, so any plea that relies on an act done outside India must be read against that list.

FAQs: IPC 203 to BNS 240

What changed when Section 203 IPC became Section 240 BNS?▼

The number changed. The title, the punishment and the words of the main paragraph of Section 240 BNS are the same as Section 203 IPC. The Explanation now refers to Sections 238 and 239 BNS in place of Sections 201 and 202 IPC and lists BNS sections in place of the IPC sections.

Where does Section 203 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 240 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 203 IPC or Section 240 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 203 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 203 IPC. Section 240 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 ·