IPC 376 to BNS 64: Punishment for rape
Section 376 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 64 BNS (2023)
IPC 376 to BNS 64 at a Glance
Section 376 IPC (Punishment for rape) is now Section 64 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 376 to BNS 64?
Section 376 IPC corresponds primarily to Section 64 BNS. Sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 376 IPC are reenacted as sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 64 BNS with identical punishments and elements. The clauses in sub-section 2 are re-lettered from clauses a to m because former clause i of the IPC had been omitted in 2018. Former sub-section 3 of Section 376 IPC, punishing rape on a woman under sixteen years of age, is now codified separately as Section 65(1) BNS with the same punishment of rigorous imprisonment of not less than twenty years extending to natural life and liability to fine.
IPC 376 vs BNS 64: Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 376 | 64 |
| Offence | Punishment for rape | Same |
| Punishment | Rigorous imprisonment of not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for life under sub-section 1; rigorous imprisonment of not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life under sub-section 2; and rigorous imprisonment of not less than twenty years extending to natural life under sub-section 3 | Rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for life under sub-section (1); and rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for life, which means imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, under sub-section (2). |
| Fine | Liable to fine under all three sub-sections; under sub-section 3 the fine must be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim, and is paid to the victim | Liable to fine in addition to imprisonment under both sub-section (1) and sub-section (2). |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 376 and BNS 64: Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 376, IPC 1860
Section 64, BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 376 vs BNS 64
- Commission of the offence of rape as defined under Section 375 IPC
- Under sub-section 1, commission of rape outside the aggravated categories specified in sub-section 2
- Or under sub-section 2, commission of rape accompanied by statutory aggravating circumstances including custodial authority, position of trust, pregnancy, disability, or infliction of grievous bodily harm
- Or under sub-section 3, commission of rape where the victim is a woman under sixteen years of age
- Commission of rape as defined under Section 63 BNS
- Under Section 64(1) BNS, rigorous imprisonment for not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for life and liability to fine for cases not falling under sub-section (2)
- Under Section 64(2) BNS, commission of rape in any of the aggravated circumstances listed in clauses (a) to (m)
- Under Section 64(2) BNS, rigorous imprisonment for not less than ten years extending to imprisonment for life, meaning the remainder of that person's natural life, and liability to fine
What IPC 376 to BNS 64 Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 376 to BNS 64
What changed between Section 376 IPC and Section 64 BNS?▼
Section 64 BNS reenacts sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 376 IPC. Aggravated categories are re-lettered from clauses a to m to reflect the 2018 omission of former clause i. Sub-section 3 of Section 376 IPC, which punishes rape of a woman under sixteen years of age, is relocated to Section 65(1) BNS.
Where is Section 376 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
General and aggravated rape under Section 376 IPC are codified in Section 64 BNS, and rape on a woman under sixteen years under former sub-section 3 is codified in Section 65(1) BNS, both in Chapter V under Of sexual offences.
Does Section 376 IPC or Section 64 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 376 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 376 IPC. Section 64 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 ·