IPC 400 to BNS 310(6): Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits
Section 400 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 310(6) BNS (2023)
IPC 400 to BNS 310(6) at a Glance
Section 400 IPC (Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits) is now Section 310(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 400 to BNS 310(6)?
Section 400 IPC corresponds to Section 310(6) BNS. Section 310(6) BNS omits the opening words at any time after the passing of this Act, while the substantive offence of belonging to a gang associated for habitually committing dacoity, the alternative punishments of imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for up to ten years, and the liability to fine remain unchanged in substance.
IPC 400 vs BNS 310(6): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 400 | 310(6) |
| Offence | Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years. | Same |
| Fine | The offender is also liable to fine. | Same |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
| Triable By | Court of Session | Same |
IPC 400 and BNS 310(6): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 400, IPC 1860
Section 310(6), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 400 vs BNS 310(6)
- The existence of a gang of persons associated together
- The association was for the purpose of habitually committing dacoity as defined in Section 391 IPC
- The accused belonged to that gang
- Belonging to a gang of persons associated for the purpose of habitually committing dacoity
- Punishment with imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment extending to ten years and liability to fine under Section 310(6) BNS
What IPC 400 to BNS 310(6) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 400 to BNS 310(6)
What changed from Section 400 IPC to Section 310(6) BNS?▼
The legal substance remains unchanged. Section 310(6) BNS modernises the phrasing by omitting the archaic phrase at any time after the passing of this Act, while preserving the offence of belonging to a gang formed for habitually committing dacoity and the punishment of imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment up to ten years and liability to fine.
Where does Section 400 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
Section 400 IPC is located at Section 310(6) BNS, under Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.
Does Section 400 IPC or Section 310(6) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 400 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 400 IPC. Section 310(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 ·