IPC 394→BNS 309(6)

IPC 394 to BNS 309(6): Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery

Section 394 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 309(6) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 394 →View BNS Section 309(6) →

IPC 394 to BNS 309(6) at a Glance

Section 394 IPC (Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) is now Section 309(6) 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 394 to BNS 309(6)?

Section 394 IPC corresponds to Section 309(6) BNS. The joint liability principle, the punishable acts, the alternative punishments of imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, and liability to fine remain unchanged in substance.

IPC 394 vs BNS 309(6): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section394309(6)
OffenceVoluntarily causing hurt in committing robberySame
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 394 and BNS 309(6): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 394, IPC 1860

394. Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery.—If any person, in committing or in attempting to commit robbery, voluntarily causes hurt, such person, and any other person jointly concerned in committing or attempting to commit such robbery, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 309(6), BNS 2023

(6) If any person, in committing or in attempting to commit robbery, voluntarily causes hurt, such person, and any other person jointly concerned in committing or attempting to commit such robbery, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 394 vs BNS 309(6)

Under IPC 394
  1. The commission of robbery or an attempt to commit robbery
  2. Voluntarily causing hurt to any person during such commission or attempt
  3. The hurt was caused in committing or in attempting to commit the robbery
  4. Joint concern of the accused in committing or attempting to commit the robbery, extending liability to all participants even if hurt was physically inflicted by only one of them
Under BNS 309(6)
  1. Voluntarily causing hurt in committing or attempting to commit robbery
  2. Joint liability of every person concerned in committing or attempting such robbery
  3. Punishment with imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment extending to ten years and liability to fine under Section 309(6) BNS

What IPC 394 to BNS 309(6) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 394 IPC (now Section 309(6) BNS): under Section 309(6) BNS, both the person causing hurt during robbery and every other person jointly concerned in committing or attempting that robbery remain equally liable to imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment up to ten years. Fresh charges for conduct occurring after the BNS took effect cite Section 309(6) BNS.

FAQs: IPC 394 to BNS 309(6)

What changed from Section 394 IPC to Section 309(6) BNS?▼

The substantive law remains identical. Section 309(6) BNS reenacts Section 394 IPC word for word, maintaining imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years and liability to fine for both the person causing hurt and any person jointly concerned in the robbery.

Where does Section 394 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 394 IPC is located at Section 309(6) BNS, under Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.

Does Section 394 IPC or Section 309(6) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 394 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 394 IPC. Section 309(6) 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 ·