IPC 384→BNS 308(2)

IPC 384 to BNS 308(2): Punishment for extortion

Section 384 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 308(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 384 →View BNS Section 308(2) →

IPC 384 to BNS 308(2) at a Glance

Section 384 IPC (Punishment for extortion) is now Section 308(2) 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 384 to BNS 308(2)?

Section 384 IPC corresponds to Section 308(2) BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment is increased from three years to seven years. The option of fine or both remains unchanged.

IPC 384 vs BNS 308(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section384308(2)
OffencePunishment for extortionSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or both.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.
FineFine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.The court may impose a fine in addition to imprisonment or as an alternative to imprisonment.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 384 and BNS 308(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 384, IPC 1860

384. Punishment for extortion.—Whoever commits extortion shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 308(2), BNS 2023

(2) Whoever commits extortion shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 384 vs BNS 308(2)

Under IPC 384
  1. The accused committed extortion as defined in Section 383 IPC
  2. The accused intentionally put any person in fear of injury to that person or to any other
  3. The accused thereby dishonestly induced the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property, valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security
Under BNS 308(2)
  1. Commission of extortion as defined in Section 308(1) BNS
  2. Punishment with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both under Section 308(2) BNS

What IPC 384 to BNS 308(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 384 IPC (now Section 308(2) BNS): under Section 308(2) BNS, the maximum term of imprisonment for extortion is increased from three years to seven years. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 308(2) BNS and carries the higher sentencing limit.

FAQs: IPC 384 to BNS 308(2)

What changed from Section 384 IPC to Section 308(2) BNS?▼

The maximum imprisonment for extortion rises from three years to seven years. The offence remains punishable with imprisonment of either description, or with fine, or with both.

Where does Section 384 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 384 IPC sits in Section 308(2) BNS, in Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.

Does Section 384 IPC or Section 308(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 384 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 384 IPC. Section 308(2) 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 ·