IPC 326B→BNS 124(2)

IPC 326B to BNS 124(2): Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid

Section 326B IPC (1860) replaced by Section 124(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 326B →View BNS Section 124(2) →

IPC 326B to BNS 124(2) at a Glance

Section 326B IPC (Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid) is now Section 124(2) 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 326B to BNS 124(2)?

Section 326B IPC is succeeded by Section 124(2) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, throwing or attempting to throw acid is consolidated into Section 124 BNS as sub-section 2. The offence and the punishment are unchanged, prescribing imprisonment of either description for not less than five years extending up to seven years, and liability to fine. Explanations 1 and 2 now state that their definitions apply for the purposes of Section 124 BNS as a whole. Explanation 2 additionally clarifies that permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.

IPC 326B vs BNS 124(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section326B124(2)
OffenceVoluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acidSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 326B and BNS 124(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 326B, IPC 1860

326B. Voluntarily throwing or attempting to throw acid.—Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation 1.—For the purposes of section 326A and this section, "acid" includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability. Explanation 2.—For the purposes of section 326A and this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity shall not be required to be irreversible.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 124(2), BNS 2023

(2) Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation 1.—For the purposes of this section, “acid” includes any substance which has acidic or corrosive character or burning nature, that is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability. Explanation 2.—For the purposes of this section, permanent or partial damage or deformity or permanent vegetative state shall not be required to be irreversible.

Ingredients: IPC 326B vs BNS 124(2)

Under IPC 326B
  1. The accused threw or attempted to throw acid on any person, attempted to administer acid to any person, or attempted to use any other means
  2. The substance was acid, including any substance of acidic or corrosive character or burning nature capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars, disfigurement, or disability
  3. The act was done with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage, deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt to that person
Under BNS 124(2)
  1. Throwing or attempting to throw acid, attempting to administer acid, or attempting to use any other means on any person
  2. Using a substance of acidic or corrosive character or burning nature capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars, disfigurement, or disability
  3. Intending to cause permanent or partial damage, deformity, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt

What IPC 326B to BNS 124(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 326B IPC (now Section 124(2) BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 124(2) BNS and is framed on the same elements as before. The offence remains non-bailable, triable by the Court of Session, and not compoundable.

FAQs: IPC 326B to BNS 124(2)

What changed from Section 326B IPC to Section 124(2) BNS?▼

The offence and the punishment remain unchanged. The provision is renumbered as sub-section 2 of Section 124 BNS, its Explanations apply to Section 124 BNS as a whole, and Explanation 2 references permanent vegetative state.

Where is Section 326B IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 124(2) BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of hurt.

Does Section 326B IPC or Section 124(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 326B 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 326B IPC. Section 124(2) 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 ·