IPC 493→BNS 81

IPC 493 to BNS 81: Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage

Section 493 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 81 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 493 →View BNS Section 81 →

IPC 493 to BNS 81 at a Glance

Section 493 IPC (Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage) is now Section 81 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 493 to BNS 81?

Section 493 IPC is now Section 81 BNS. The wording of the section and the punishment remain unchanged.

IPC 493 vs BNS 81: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section49381
OffenceCohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriageSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to ten years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine. The section prescribes no limit.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 493 and BNS 81: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 493, IPC 1860

493. Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.—Every man who by deceit causes any woman who is not lawfully married to him to believe that she is lawfully married to him and to cohabit or have sexual intercourse with him in that belief, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 81, BNS 2023

Every man who by deceit causes any woman who is not lawfully married to him to believe that she is lawfully married to him and to cohabit or have sexual intercourse with him in that belief, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 493 vs BNS 81

Under IPC 493
  1. The accused is a man, and the woman is not lawfully married to him
  2. The accused by deceit causes the woman to believe that she is lawfully married to him
  3. The woman cohabits or has sexual intercourse with him in that belief
Under BNS 81
  1. A man who by deceit causes a woman not lawfully married to him to believe she is lawfully married to him
  2. Cohabitation or sexual intercourse with him by the woman in that induced belief

What IPC 493 to BNS 81 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 493 IPC (now Section 81 BNS): under Section 81 BNS, the offence and punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 81 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 493 to BNS 81

What changed when Section 493 IPC became Section 81 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 81 BNS reproduces Section 493 IPC word for word, with the same punishment.

Where does Section 493 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 81 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child.

Does Section 493 IPC or Section 81 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 493 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 493 IPC. Section 81 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 ·