IPC 304B→BNS 80

IPC 304B to BNS 80: Dowry death

Section 304B IPC (1860) replaced by Section 80 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 304B →View BNS Section 80 →

IPC 304B to BNS 80 at a Glance

Section 304B IPC (Dowry death) is now Section 80 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 304B to BNS 80?

Section 304B IPC is now Section 80 BNS. The title, the definition of dowry death, the seven-year period, the deeming provision, and the punishment of imprisonment for not less than seven years extending up to imprisonment for life are unchanged.

IPC 304B vs BNS 80: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section304B80
OffenceDowry deathSame
PunishmentImprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.Same
FineThe section prescribes no fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 304B and BNS 80: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 304B, IPC 1860

304B. Dowry death.—(1) Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called “dowry death”, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death. Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “dowry” shall have the same meaning as in section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961). (2) Whoever commits dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 80, BNS 2023

(1) Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called “dowry death”, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death. Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “dowry” shall have the same meaning as in section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961). (2) Whoever commits dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.

Ingredients: IPC 304B vs BNS 80

Under IPC 304B
  1. The death of a woman was caused by burns or bodily injury or occurred otherwise than under normal circumstances
  2. The death occurred within seven years of her marriage
  3. Soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband
  4. Such cruelty or harassment was for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry
Under BNS 80
  1. The death of a woman caused by burns or bodily injury or occurring otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of marriage
  2. Proof that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry
  3. The deemed causation of death by such husband or relative

What IPC 304B to BNS 80 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 304B IPC (now Section 80 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 80 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 304B to BNS 80

What changed when Section 304B IPC became Section 80 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 80 BNS retains the title, the wording, the seven-year time limit, and the punishment of Section 304B IPC.

Where does Section 304B IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 80 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences against Woman and Child, under the sub-heading Of offences relating to marriage.

Does Section 304B IPC or Section 80 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 304B 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 304B IPC. Section 80 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 ·