IPC 281→BNS 283

IPC 281 to BNS 283: Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy

Section 281 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 283 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 281 →View BNS Section 283 →

IPC 281 to BNS 283 at a Glance

Section 281 IPC (Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy) is now Section 283 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 281 to BNS 283?

Section 281 IPC corresponds to Section 283 BNS. The definition of the offence and the maximum imprisonment of seven years remain identical. Under Section 283 BNS, fine is no longer an alternative penalty but is mandatory alongside imprisonment, and must not be less than ten thousand rupees.

IPC 281 vs BNS 283: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section281283
OffenceExhibition of false light, mark or buoySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years under Section 283 BNS.
FineFine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.Fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees, mandatory along with imprisonment, under Section 283 BNS.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 281 and BNS 283: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 281, IPC 1860

281. Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy.—Whoever exhibits any false light, mark or buoy, intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 283, BNS 2023

Whoever exhibits any false light, mark or buoy, intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.

Ingredients: IPC 281 vs BNS 283

Under IPC 281
  1. Exhibiting any false light, mark or buoy
  2. Intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator
Under BNS 283
  1. Displaying or setting up a false light, mark, or buoy on water or along a coastline
  2. Acting with the intention or knowledge that such exhibition is likely to mislead any navigator

What IPC 281 to BNS 283 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 281 IPC (now Section 283 BNS): the definition of the offence is unchanged, but Section 283 BNS eliminates the option of a fine-only sentence, requiring both imprisonment and a mandatory fine of at least ten thousand rupees upon conviction.

FAQs: IPC 281 to BNS 283

What changed when Section 281 IPC became Section 283 BNS?▼

Section 283 BNS requires both imprisonment and fine, with fine of at least ten thousand rupees, so fine alone is no longer a permitted sentence. Under Section 281 IPC, the court could impose imprisonment, or fine, or both, and no minimum fine was fixed.

Where does Section 281 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 283 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 281 IPC or Section 283 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 281 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 281 IPC. Section 283 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 ·