IPC 216A→BNS 254

IPC 216A to BNS 254: Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits

Section 216A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 254 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 216A →View BNS Section 254 →

IPC 216A to BNS 254 at a Glance

Section 216A IPC (Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits) is now Section 254 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 216A to BNS 254?

Section 216A IPC is now Section 254 BNS. The BNS retains the statutory definition, explanation and punishment, while replacing the words husband or wife in the exception with spouse.

IPC 216A vs BNS 254: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section216A254
OffencePenalty for harbouring robbers or dacoitsSame
PunishmentRigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine in addition to mandatory rigorous imprisonment.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 216A and BNS 254: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 216A, IPC 1860

216A. Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits.—Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening them or any of them from punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section it is immaterial whether the robbery or dacoity is intended to be committed, or has been committed, within or without India. Exception.—This provision does not extend to the case in which the harbour is by the husband or wife of the offender.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 254, BNS 2023

Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening them or any of them from punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section it is immaterial whether the robbery or dacoity is intended to be committed, or has been committed, within or without India. Exception.—The provisions of this section do not extend to the case in which the harbour is by the spouse of the offender.

Ingredients: IPC 216A vs BNS 254

Under IPC 216A
  1. The accused knew or had reason to believe that certain persons were about to commit or had recently committed robbery or dacoity
  2. The accused harboured those persons or any of them
  3. The accused acted with the intention of facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening them or any of them from punishment
  4. The harbour was not by the husband or wife of the offender
Under BNS 254
  1. Knowledge or reason to believe that persons are about to commit or have recently committed robbery or dacoity
  2. Harbouring those persons or any of them
  3. Intention of facilitating the robbery or dacoity, or screening them from punishment
  4. The act not being harbouring by the spouse of the offender

What IPC 216A to BNS 254 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 216A IPC (now Section 254 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, though the exception now refers to spouse rather than husband or wife, and charges for acts done after the BNS came into force cite Section 254 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 216A to BNS 254

What changed when Section 216A IPC became Section 254 BNS?▼

Section 254 BNS preserves the offence of harbouring robbers or dacoits and its punishment of rigorous imprisonment for up to seven years and fine, updating the exception by substituting spouse for husband or wife.

Where does Section 216A IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 254 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 216A IPC or Section 254 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 216A 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 216A IPC. Section 254 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 ·