IPC 374→BNS 146

IPC 374 to BNS 146: Unlawful compulsory labour

Section 374 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 146 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 374 →View BNS Section 146 →

IPC 374 to BNS 146 at a Glance

Section 374 IPC (Unlawful compulsory labour) is now Section 146 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 374 to BNS 146?

Section 374 IPC corresponds to Section 146 BNS. The statutory text and heading remain identical across both codes. The prescribed punishment of imprisonment of either description extending up to one year, or with fine, or with both continues unchanged.

IPC 374 vs BNS 146: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section374146
OffenceUnlawful compulsory labourSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with bothSame
FineFine, as an alternative to or together with imprisonmentSame
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 374 and BNS 146: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 374, IPC 1860

374. Unlawful compulsory labour.—Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 146, BNS 2023

Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both. CHAPTER VII OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE STATE

Ingredients: IPC 374 vs BNS 146

Under IPC 374
  1. The accused compelled a person to labour
  2. The compulsion to labour was unlawful
  3. The labour was extracted against the will of that person
Under BNS 146
  1. Unlawfully compelling any person to labour
  2. Extracting labour against the will of that person
  3. Preservation of imprisonment of either description extending up to one year, or with fine, or with both under Section 146 BNS

What IPC 374 to BNS 146 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 374 IPC (now Section 146 BNS): under Section 146 BNS, the offence of unlawful compulsory labour continues with identical statutory wording and punishment. Proceedings commenced for acts committed after the BNS came into force cite Section 146 BNS, whereas previous violations continue under Section 374 IPC.

FAQs: IPC 374 to BNS 146

What changed between Section 374 IPC and Section 146 BNS?▼

The substantive definition, heading, and punishment remain identical. Section 374 IPC has been renumbered as Section 146 BNS without altering the statutory ingredients.

Where is Section 374 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 374 IPC is codified as Section 146 BNS, in Chapter VI, Of Offences Affecting the Human Body, under the sub-heading Of kidnapping, abduction, slavery and forced labour.

Does Section 374 IPC or Section 146 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 374 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 374 IPC. Section 146 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: 17 Oct 2026 ·