IPC 288 Is Now BNS 290: Building Demolition Negligence

What Changed From IPC 288 to BNS 290?

Section 288 IPC corresponds to Section 290 BNS. The title and the text of Section 290 BNS expressly add constructing any building alongside pulling down and repairing. In addition, the word order has been replaced by measures, and the maximum fine has increased from one thousand rupees under Section 288 IPC to five thousand rupees under Section 290 BNS.

IPC 288 vs BNS 290: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	288	290
Offence	Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings	Same
Punishment	Imprisonment 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.
Fine	Fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment.	Fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, either alone or in addition to imprisonment.
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Non-Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Any Magistrate	Same

IPC 288 and BNS 290: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 288, IPC 1860

288. Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings.—Whoever, in pulling down or repairing any building, knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with that building as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from the fall of that building, or of any part thereof, 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 290, BNS 2023

Whoever, in pulling down, repairing or constructing any building, knowingly or negligently omits to take such measures with that building as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from the fall of that building, or of any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 288 vs BNS 290

Under IPC 288

Pulling down or repairing any building
Knowingly or negligently omitting to take such order with that building as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from the fall of that building, or of any part thereof

Under BNS 290

Pulling down, repairing or constructing any building
Knowingly or negligently omitting to take sufficient measures with that building to guard against probable danger to human life from the fall of the building or any part thereof

What IPC 288 to BNS 290 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 288 IPC (now Section 290 BNS): the six-month imprisonment term is unchanged, but Section 290 BNS expands the offence to cover construction work, modernises the phrasing to taking measures, and raises the maximum fine fivefold to five thousand rupees.

FAQs: IPC 288 to BNS 290

What changed when Section 288 IPC became Section 290 BNS?▼

The BNS heading and text add constructing buildings alongside pulling down and repairing. The requirement to take such order has become to take such measures, and the maximum fine has increased from one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees.

Where does Section 288 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 290 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 288 IPC or Section 290 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 288 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 288 IPC. Section 290 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 288 to BNS 290: Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings

IPC 288 to BNS 290 at a Glance