IPC 496→BNS 83

IPC 496 to BNS 83: Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage

Section 496 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 83 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 496 →View BNS Section 83 →

IPC 496 to BNS 83 at a Glance

Section 496 IPC (Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage) is now Section 83 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 496 to BNS 83?

Section 496 IPC is now Section 83 BNS. The heading, the text of the section and the punishment remain unchanged.

IPC 496 vs BNS 83: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section49683
OffenceMarriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriageSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to seven years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine. The section prescribes no limit.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 496 and BNS 83: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 496, IPC 1860

496. Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage.—Whoever, dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention, goes through the ceremony of being married, knowing that he is not thereby lawfully married, 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 83, BNS 2023

Whoever, dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention, goes through the ceremony of being married, knowing that he is not thereby lawfully married, 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 496 vs BNS 83

Under IPC 496
  1. The accused went through the ceremony of being married
  2. The accused knew that he was not thereby lawfully married
  3. The accused did so dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention
Under BNS 83
  1. Going through the ceremony of being married
  2. Knowledge by the person that he is not thereby lawfully married
  3. Acting dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention

What IPC 496 to BNS 83 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 496 IPC (now Section 83 BNS): under Section 83 BNS, the offence and punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 83 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 496 to BNS 83

What changed when Section 496 IPC became Section 83 BNS?▼

Only the section number. Section 83 BNS reproduces Section 496 IPC word for word, with the same punishment.

Where does Section 496 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 83 BNS, in Chapter V, Of Offences Against Woman and Child.

Does Section 496 IPC or Section 83 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 496 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 496 IPC. Section 83 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 ·