IPC 371→BNS 145

IPC 371 to BNS 145: Habitual dealing in slaves

Section 371 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 145 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 371 →View BNS Section 145 →

IPC 371 to BNS 145 at a Glance

Section 371 IPC (Habitual dealing in slaves) is now Section 145 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 371 to BNS 145?

Section 371 IPC is now Section 145 BNS. The statutory heading, text, and prescribed punishment of imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years and liability to fine remain identical in substance.

IPC 371 vs BNS 145: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section371145
OffenceHabitual dealing in slavesSame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten yearsSame
FineLiable to fineSame
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 371 and BNS 145: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 371, IPC 1860

371. Habitual dealing in slaves.—Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 145, BNS 2023

Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 371 vs BNS 145

Under IPC 371
  1. Habitual conduct by the accused
  2. Importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing in slaves
Under BNS 145
  1. Habitual practice or repeated transactions
  2. Engaging in importing, exporting, removing, buying, selling, trafficking, or dealing in slaves
  3. Preservation of imprisonment for life or imprisonment extending up to ten years and liability to fine under Section 145 BNS

What IPC 371 to BNS 145 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 371 IPC (now Section 145 BNS): under Section 145 BNS, the offence and punishment are unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 145 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 371 to BNS 145

What changed between Section 371 IPC and Section 145 BNS?▼

The provisions are identical in substance. Section 145 BNS retains the title, wording, and sentencing framework of Section 371 IPC without alteration.

Where is Section 371 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 371 IPC is codified as Section 145 BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour.

Does Section 371 IPC or Section 145 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 371 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 371 IPC. Section 145 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 ·