IPC 332→BNS 121(1)

IPC 332 to BNS 121(1): Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty

Section 332 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 121(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 332 →View BNS Section 121(1) →

IPC 332 to BNS 121(1) at a Glance

Section 332 IPC (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) is now Section 121(1) 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 332 to BNS 121(1)?

Section 332 IPC is succeeded by Section 121(1) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, hurt and grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty are consolidated into Section 121 BNS, with simple hurt assigned to sub-section 1. The maximum term of imprisonment rises from three years under Section 332 IPC to five years under Section 121(1) BNS. The offence remains punishable with imprisonment of either description, or with fine, or with both, and the statutory ingredients are unchanged.

IPC 332 vs BNS 121(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section332121(1)
OffenceVoluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his dutySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.
FineThe court may impose fine alone or alongside imprisonment.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 332 and BNS 121(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 332, IPC 1860

332. Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty.—Whoever voluntarily causes hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 121(1), BNS 2023

(1) Whoever voluntarily causes hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 332 vs BNS 121(1)

Under IPC 332
  1. The accused voluntarily caused hurt to any person
  2. The person hurt was a public servant
  3. The hurt was caused to that public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant
Under BNS 121(1)
  1. Voluntarily causing hurt to any person being a public servant
  2. In the discharge of duty as such public servant, with intent to prevent or deter discharge of duty, or in consequence of anything done or attempted in the lawful discharge of duty

What IPC 332 to BNS 121(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 332 IPC (now Section 121(1) BNS): the elements of the offence are unchanged, while Section 121(1) BNS increases the maximum imprisonment from three years to five years. A prosecution for an act committed after the BNS came into force cites Section 121(1) BNS and exposes the offender to the higher five-year ceiling. The offence remains non-bailable, triable by a Magistrate of the first class, and not compoundable.

FAQs: IPC 332 to BNS 121(1)

What changed from Section 332 IPC to Section 121(1) BNS?▼

The maximum term of imprisonment has been increased from three years under Section 332 IPC to five years under Section 121(1) BNS, while fine remains an alternative or additional punishment. The substantive elements are unchanged.

Where is Section 332 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 121(1) BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of hurt.

Does Section 332 IPC or Section 121(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 332 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 332 IPC. Section 121(1) 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 ·