IPC 387→BNS 308(4)

IPC 387 to BNS 308(4): Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion

Section 387 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 308(4) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 387 →View BNS Section 308(4) →

IPC 387 to BNS 308(4) at a Glance

Section 387 IPC (Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion) is now Section 308(4) 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 387 to BNS 308(4)?

Section 387 IPC corresponds to Section 308(4) BNS. The definition of the offence, the seven-year maximum term of imprisonment, and the liability to fine remain unchanged in substance.

IPC 387 vs BNS 308(4): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section387308(4)
OffencePutting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortionSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 387 and BNS 308(4): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 387, IPC 1860

387. Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion.—Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, puts or attempts to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 308(4), BNS 2023

(4) Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, puts or attempts to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 387 vs BNS 308(4)

Under IPC 387
  1. The accused put any person in fear, or attempted to put any person in fear, of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other
  2. The accused acted in order to the committing of extortion
Under BNS 308(4)
  1. Putting or attempting to put any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other
  2. Acting in order to the committing of extortion, punishable under Section 308(4) BNS

What IPC 387 to BNS 308(4) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 387 IPC (now Section 308(4) BNS): under Section 308(4) BNS, the offence and punishment remain unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 308(4) BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 387 to BNS 308(4)

What changed from Section 387 IPC to Section 308(4) BNS?▼

The legal substance remains unchanged. Section 308(4) BNS retains the offence of putting or attempting to put a person in fear of death or grievous hurt in order to commit extortion, carrying imprisonment for up to seven years and liability to fine.

Where does Section 387 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 387 IPC sits in Section 308(4) BNS, in Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.

Does Section 387 IPC or Section 308(4) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 387 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 387 IPC. Section 308(4) 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 ·