IPC 344 to BNS 127(4): Wrongful confinement for ten or more days
Section 344 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 127(4) BNS (2023)
IPC 344 to BNS 127(4) at a Glance
Section 344 IPC (Wrongful confinement for ten or more days) is now Section 127(4) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From IPC 344 to BNS 127(4)?
Section 344 IPC is succeeded by Section 127(4) BNS. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, wrongful confinement provisions are consolidated into Section 127 BNS, with wrongful confinement for ten days or more enacted in sub-section 4. The maximum term of imprisonment of either description increases from three years under Section 344 IPC to five years under Section 127(4) BNS. In addition, Section 127(4) BNS specifies that any fine imposed shall not be less than ten thousand rupees, establishing a statutory minimum floor for monetary penalties.
IPC 344 vs BNS 127(4): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 344 | 127(4) |
| Offence | Wrongful confinement for ten or more days | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years. | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years under Section 127(4) BNS, increased from up to three years under the earlier law. |
| Fine | The offender shall also be liable to fine. | The offender shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees under Section 127(4) BNS, whereas the earlier law set no statutory minimum fine. |
| Bail | Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Any Magistrate | Same |
IPC 344 and BNS 127(4): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 344, IPC 1860
Section 127(4), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 344 vs BNS 127(4)
- The accused wrongfully confined any person within the meaning of Section 340 IPC
- The wrongful confinement continued for ten days, or more
- Wrongfully confining any person under Section 127(1) BNS
- Maintaining such confinement for ten days, or more under Section 127(4) BNS
What IPC 344 to BNS 127(4) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 344 to BNS 127(4)
What changed from Section 344 IPC to Section 127(4) BNS?▼
The maximum imprisonment increased from three years under Section 344 IPC to five years under Section 127(4) BNS, and a minimum fine floor of ten thousand rupees was established for any fine imposed.
Where is Section 344 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
Section 344 IPC is codified as sub-section 4 of Section 127 BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body.
Does Section 344 IPC or Section 127(4) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 344 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 344 IPC. Section 127(4) 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 ·