IPC 419→BNS 319(2)

IPC 419 to BNS 319(2): Punishment for cheating by personation

Section 419 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 319(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 419 →View BNS Section 319(2) →

IPC 419 to BNS 319(2) at a Glance

Section 419 IPC (Punishment for cheating by personation) is now Section 319(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 419 to BNS 319(2)?

Section 419 IPC corresponds to Section 319(2) BNS. Section 319(2) BNS increases the maximum punishment for cheating by personation from three years under Section 419 IPC to five years under Section 319(2) BNS, while continuing to provide for fine, or both. In addition, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 consolidates the definition previously in Section 416 IPC and the penalty into a single Section 319 BNS.

IPC 419 vs BNS 319(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section419319(2)
OffencePunishment for cheating by personationSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years.
FineThe court may impose fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 419 and BNS 319(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 419, IPC 1860

419. Punishment for cheating by personation.—Whoever cheats by personation 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 319(2), BNS 2023

(2) Whoever cheats by personation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 419 vs BNS 319(2)

Under IPC 419
  1. The accused committed cheating as defined under Section 415 IPC
  2. The cheating was accomplished by personation within the meaning of Section 416 IPC
  3. The accused pretended to be some other person, or knowingly substituted one person for another, or represented that a person was someone other than who that person really was
Under BNS 319(2)
  1. Commission of cheating as defined under Section 318(1) BNS
  2. Cheating committed by personation under Section 319(1) BNS by pretending to be another person or substituting persons
  3. Punishment under Section 319(2) BNS of imprisonment of either description for up to five years, or with fine, or with both

What IPC 419 to BNS 319(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 419 IPC (now Section 319(2) BNS): under Section 319(2) BNS, the maximum punishment for cheating by personation rises from three years to five years of imprisonment, meaning cases involving identity-based deception under the new Sanhita carry a more severe maximum penalty.

FAQs: IPC 419 to BNS 319(2)

What changed from Section 419 IPC to Section 319(2) BNS?▼

The maximum term of imprisonment has increased from three years under Section 419 IPC to five years under Section 319(2) BNS. Furthermore, the definition of personation and its punishment are now combined within Section 319 BNS.

Where does Section 419 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

Section 419 IPC is located at Section 319(2) BNS, in Chapter XVII, Of Offences Against Property.

Does Section 419 IPC or Section 319(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 419 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 419 IPC. Section 319(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 ·