IPC 279→BNS 281

IPC 279 to BNS 281: Rash driving or riding on a public way

Section 279 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 281 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 279 →View BNS Section 281 →

IPC 279 to BNS 281 at a Glance

Section 279 IPC (Rash driving or riding on a public way) is now Section 281 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 279 to BNS 281?

Section 279 IPC is now Section 281 BNS. The title, the statutory wording, and the punishment of imprisonment for up to six months, or fine up to one thousand rupees, or both remain word for word the same.

IPC 279 vs BNS 281: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section279281
OffenceRash driving or riding on a public waySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months under Section 281 BNS.
FineFine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment.Fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment, under Section 281 BNS.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 279 and BNS 281: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 279, IPC 1860

279. Rash driving or riding on a public way.—Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 281, BNS 2023

Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 279 vs BNS 281

Under IPC 279
  1. Driving a vehicle, or riding, on a public way
  2. The driving or riding is done in a rash or negligent manner
  3. The manner of driving or riding endangers human life, or is likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person
Under BNS 281
  1. Operating a vehicle or riding upon any public way
  2. Driving or riding in a rash or negligent manner endangering human life or likely to cause hurt or injury

What IPC 279 to BNS 281 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 279 IPC (now Section 281 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the new Code came into force cites Section 281 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 279 to BNS 281

What changed when Section 279 IPC became Section 281 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 281 BNS repeats the title, wording, and punishment of Section 279 IPC without change.

Where does Section 279 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 281 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 279 IPC or Section 281 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 279 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 279 IPC. Section 281 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 ·