IPC 366B to BNS 141: Importation of girl from foreign country
Section 366B IPC (1860) replaced by Section 141 BNS (2023)
IPC 366B to BNS 141 at a Glance
Section 366B IPC (Importation of girl from foreign country) is now Section 141 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 366B to BNS 141?
Section 366B IPC corresponds to Section 141 BNS, entitled Importation of girl or boy from foreign country. Two key substantive changes are introduced: first, the territorial carve-out referencing the State of Jammu and Kashmir is omitted; second, the scope is expanded to include any boy under eighteen years of age alongside any girl under twenty-one years of age. The prescribed penalty of imprisonment extending up to ten years and liability to fine continues without alteration.
IPC 366B vs BNS 141: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 366B | 141 |
| Offence | Importation of girl from foreign country | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term extending up to ten years | Imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years |
| Fine | Liable to fine | Same |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 366B and BNS 141: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 366B, IPC 1860
Section 141, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 366B vs BNS 141
- Importing a female under twenty-one years of age into India
- The importation is from any country outside India or from the State of Jammu and Kashmir
- Existence of intent that she may be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person
- Or knowledge that she will likely be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person
- Importing into India from any country outside India any girl under twenty-one years of age or any boy under eighteen years of age
- Intent that the girl or boy may be, or knowing it to be likely that the girl or boy will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person
- Imprisonment which may extend to ten years and liability to fine under Section 141 BNS
What IPC 366B to BNS 141 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 366B to BNS 141
What changed between Section 366B IPC and Section 141 BNS?▼
Section 141 BNS expands statutory protection to cover boys under eighteen years of age in addition to girls under twenty-one years of age, and removes references to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The penalty of imprisonment extending up to ten years and liability to fine is preserved.
Where is Section 366B IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
Section 366B IPC is codified as Section 141 BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour.
Does Section 366B IPC or Section 141 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 366B 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 366B IPC. Section 141 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 ·