IPC 331 to BNS 120(2): Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property
Section 331 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 120(2) BNS (2023)
IPC 331 to BNS 120(2) at a Glance
Section 331 IPC (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property) is now Section 120(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 331 to BNS 120(2)?
Section 331 IPC is succeeded by Section 120(2) BNS. Section 120 BNS consolidates offences of causing hurt to extort confessions, assigning grievous hurt to sub-section 2. Rather than repeating the full list of extortion and restoration purposes, Section 120(2) BNS incorporates them by referring to any purpose referred to in sub-section 1. The substantive elements and the punishment of imprisonment of either description up to ten years and liability to fine remain unchanged.
IPC 331 vs BNS 120(2): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 331 | 120(2) |
| Offence | Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. | Same |
| Fine | The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment. | Same |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 331 and BNS 120(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 331, IPC 1860
Section 120(2), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 331 vs BNS 120(2)
- The accused voluntarily caused grievous hurt to any person
- The grievous hurt was caused for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or from any person interested in the sufferer, any confession or any information which may lead to the detection of an offence or misconduct
- Or the grievous hurt was caused for the purpose of constraining the sufferer or any person interested in the sufferer to restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security, or to satisfy any claim or demand, or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any property or valuable security
- Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to any person
- For any purpose referred to in Section 120(1) BNS, namely extorting a confession or information, or constraining the restoration of property or satisfaction of a demand
What IPC 331 to BNS 120(2) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 331 to BNS 120(2)
What changed from Section 331 IPC to Section 120(2) BNS?▼
The substantive offence and the punishment remain unchanged. Section 120(2) BNS incorporates the purposes of extortion and restoration by referencing sub-section 1 instead of repeating them in full.
Where is Section 331 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 120(2) BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of hurt.
Does Section 331 IPC or Section 120(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 331 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 331 IPC. Section 120(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 ·