IPC 373→BNS 99

IPC 373 to BNS 99: Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc

Section 373 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 99 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 373 →View BNS Section 99 →

IPC 373 to BNS 99 at a Glance

Section 373 IPC (Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc) is now Section 99 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 373 to BNS 99?

Section 373 IPC corresponds to Section 99 BNS. The heading changes from Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc. to Buying child for purposes of prostitution, etc. In the text, any person under the age of eighteen years is replaced by any child, and such person is replaced by such child. The penalty is substantially enhanced: while Section 373 IPC provided imprisonment of either description extending up to ten years, Section 99 BNS prescribes mandatory imprisonment of not less than seven years which may extend to fourteen years, and liability to fine.

IPC 373 vs BNS 99: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section37399
OffenceBuying minor for purposes of prostitution, etcSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten yearsImprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to fourteen years
FineLiable to fineSame
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 373 and BNS 99: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 373, IPC 1860

373. Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.—Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any person under the age of eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation I.—Any prostitute or any person keeping or managing a brothel, who buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of a female under the age of eighteen years shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have obtained possession of such female with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution. Explanation II.—"Illicit intercourse" has the same meaning as in section 372.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 99, BNS 2023

Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any child with intent that such child shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing it to be likely that such child will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation 1.—Any prostitute or any person keeping or managing a brothel, who buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of a female under the age of eighteen years shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have obtained possession of such female with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution. Explanation 2.— “Illicit intercourse” has the same meaning as in section 98. CHAPTER VI OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE HUMAN BODY Of offences affecting life

Ingredients: IPC 373 vs BNS 99

Under IPC 373
  1. The accused bought, hired, or otherwise obtained possession of any person under the age of eighteen years
  2. The act was done with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose
  3. Or the act was done knowing it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose
Under BNS 99
  1. Buying, hiring, or otherwise obtaining possession of any child
  2. Intent that such child shall at any age be employed or used for prostitution, illicit intercourse, or any unlawful and immoral purpose
  3. Or knowledge that such child will at any age be likely employed or used for any such purpose
  4. Mandatory imprisonment of not less than seven years extending up to fourteen years and liability to fine under Section 99 BNS

What IPC 373 to BNS 99 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 373 IPC (now Section 99 BNS): under Section 99 BNS, Parliament substantially enhanced the statutory penalty compared with Section 373 IPC. An offence committed after the BNS came into force carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years extending up to fourteen years, whereas offences committed prior to the transition remain punishable under Section 373 IPC up to ten years.

FAQs: IPC 373 to BNS 99

What changed between Section 373 IPC and Section 99 BNS?▼

Section 99 BNS replaces person under the age of eighteen years with child and substantially increases the punishment. While Section 373 IPC provided imprisonment extending up to ten years without a minimum term, Section 99 BNS prescribes mandatory imprisonment of not less than seven years extending up to fourteen years, and liability to fine.

Where is Section 373 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 373 IPC is codified as Section 99 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child, under the sub-heading Of offences against child.

Does Section 373 IPC or Section 99 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 373 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 373 IPC. Section 99 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 ·