IPC 376A→BNS 66

IPC 376A to BNS 66: Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim

Section 376A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 66 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 376A →View BNS Section 66 →

IPC 376A to BNS 66 at a Glance

Section 376A IPC (Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim) is now Section 66 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 376A to BNS 66?

Section 376A IPC corresponds to Section 66 BNS. The heading and substantive text remain unchanged, with the statutory cross-reference updating from Section 376 IPC to Section 64 BNS. The prescribed penalty of rigorous imprisonment of not less than twenty years extending to life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, or with death, continues identical across both codes.

IPC 376A vs BNS 66: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section376A66
OffencePunishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victimSame
PunishmentRigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, or with deathSame
FineNone. The section prescribes imprisonment or death and does not provide for a fineSame
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of SessionSame

IPC 376A and BNS 66: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 376A, IPC 1860

376A. Punishment for causing death or resulting in persistent vegetative state of victim.—Whoever, commits an offence punishable under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 376 and in the course of such commission inflicts an injury which causes the death of the woman or causes the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life, or with death.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 66, BNS 2023

Whoever, commits an offence punishable under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 64 and in the course of such commission inflicts an injury which causes the death of the woman or causes the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life, or with death.

Ingredients: IPC 376A vs BNS 66

Under IPC 376A
  1. The accused committed an offence punishable under sub-section 1 or sub-section 2 of Section 376 IPC
  2. The accused inflicted an injury in the course of such commission
  3. The injury caused the death of the woman or caused the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state
Under BNS 66
  1. Commission of an offence punishable under sub-section 1 or sub-section 2 of Section 64 BNS
  2. Infliction of an injury in the course of such commission
  3. The injury causes the death of the woman or causes the woman to be in a persistent vegetative state
  4. Preservation of punishment of rigorous imprisonment of not less than twenty years extending to life for remainder of natural life, or death under Section 66 BNS

What IPC 376A to BNS 66 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 376A IPC (now Section 66 BNS): under Section 66 BNS, the statutory elements and penalties remain identical to Section 376A IPC. Prosecutions for conduct occurring after the BNS came into force cite Section 66 BNS with reference to Section 64 BNS, while past offences continue under Section 376A IPC.

FAQs: IPC 376A to BNS 66

What changed between Section 376A IPC and Section 66 BNS?▼

The substantive offence, heading, and punishment remain identical. The internal cross-reference updates from Section 376 IPC to Section 64 BNS.

Where is Section 376A IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 376A IPC is codified as Section 66 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child, under the sub-heading Of sexual offences.

Does Section 376A IPC or Section 66 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 376A 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 376A IPC. Section 66 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 ·