IPC 500→BNS 356(2)

IPC 500 to BNS 356(2): Punishment for defamation

Section 500 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 356(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 500 →View BNS Section 356(2) →

IPC 500 to BNS 356(2) at a Glance

Section 500 IPC (Punishment for defamation) is now Section 356(2) 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 500 to BNS 356(2)?

Section 500 IPC corresponds to Section 356(2) BNS. The punishment of simple imprisonment up to two years, or fine, or both, is retained, and Section 356(2) BNS adds community service as an alternative penalty.

IPC 500 vs BNS 356(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section500356(2)
OffencePunishment for defamationSame
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for up to two years.Simple imprisonment for up to two years, or community service.
FineFine in place of imprisonment, or both. The section sets no limit.Fine in place of imprisonment, or both, or community service. The section sets no limit.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of Session or Magistrate of the first classSame

IPC 500 and BNS 356(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 500, IPC 1860

500. Punishment for defamation.—Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 356(2), BNS 2023

Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both, or with community service.

Ingredients: IPC 500 vs BNS 356(2)

Under IPC 500
  1. Making or publishing an imputation concerning another person
  2. Doing so by spoken words, words intended to be read, signs or visible representations
  3. Intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that the imputation will harm, the reputation of that person
Under BNS 356(2)
  1. Making or publishing in any manner any imputation concerning any person
  2. Intention to harm reputation, or knowledge or reason to believe that the imputation will harm reputation

What IPC 500 to BNS 356(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 500 IPC (now Section 356(2) BNS): under Section 356(2) BNS, the court may award community service as an alternative to simple imprisonment or fine.

FAQs: IPC 500 to BNS 356(2)

What changed in the punishment for defamation when Section 500 IPC became Section 356(2) BNS?▼

Section 356(2) BNS adds community service as an alternative punishment alongside simple imprisonment for up to two years, fine, or both.

Where does Section 500 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 356(2) BNS, in Chapter XIX, Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc.

Does Section 500 IPC or Section 356(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 500 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 500 IPC. Section 356(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 ·