IPC 205→BNS 242

IPC 205 to BNS 242: False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution

Section 205 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 242 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 205 →View BNS Section 242 →

IPC 205 to BNS 242 at a Glance

Section 205 IPC (False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution) is now Section 242 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 205 to BNS 242?

Section 205 IPC is now Section 242 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

IPC 205 vs BNS 242: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section205242
OffenceFalse personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecutionSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to three years.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. The section fixes no amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 205 and BNS 242: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 205, IPC 1860

205. False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution.—Whoever falsely personates another, and in such assumed character makes any admission or statement, or confesses judgment, or causes any process to be issued or becomes bail or security, or does any other act in any suit or criminal prosecution, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 242, BNS 2023

Whoever falsely personates another, and in such assumed character makes any admission or statement, or confesses judgment, or causes any process to be issued or becomes bail or security, or does any other act in any suit or criminal prosecution, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 205 vs BNS 242

Under IPC 205
  1. The accused falsely personated another person
  2. In such assumed character, the accused made an admission or statement, confessed judgment, caused process to be issued, became bail or security, or did any other act
  3. That act was done in a suit or criminal prosecution
Under BNS 242
  1. False personation of another person
  2. An act done in that assumed character, including making an admission or statement, confessing judgment, causing process to issue, or becoming bail or security
  3. The act taking place in a suit or criminal prosecution

What IPC 205 to BNS 242 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 205 IPC (now Section 242 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 242 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 205 to BNS 242

What changed when Section 205 IPC became Section 242 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 242 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 205 IPC, and the punishment is the same.

Where does Section 205 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 242 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 205 IPC or Section 242 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 205 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 205 IPC. Section 242 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 ·