IPC 501→BNS 356(3)

IPC 501 to BNS 356(3): Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory

Section 501 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 356(3) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 501 →View BNS Section 356(3) →

IPC 501 to BNS 356(3) at a Glance

Section 501 IPC (Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory) is now Section 356(3) 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 501 to BNS 356(3)?

Section 501 IPC corresponds to Section 356(3) BNS with identical wording and punishment. Community service, added for simple defamation under Section 356(2) BNS, is not provided for this offence.

IPC 501 vs BNS 356(3): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section501356(3)
OffencePrinting or engraving matter known to be defamatorySame
PunishmentSimple imprisonment for up to two years.Same
FineFine in place of imprisonment, or both. The section sets no limit.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt of Session or Magistrate of the first classSame

IPC 501 and BNS 356(3): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 501, IPC 1860

501. Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory.—Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, 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(3), BNS 2023

Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 501 vs BNS 356(3)

Under IPC 501
  1. Printing or engraving some matter
  2. The matter being defamatory of a person
  3. Knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of that person
Under BNS 356(3)
  1. Printing or engraving any matter
  2. Knowledge or good reason to believe that the matter is defamatory of any person
  3. The matter amounting to defamation under Section 356(1) BNS

What IPC 501 to BNS 356(3) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 501 IPC (now Section 356(3) BNS): under Section 356(3) BNS, printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory remains punishable with simple imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both.

FAQs: IPC 501 to BNS 356(3)

What changed when Section 501 IPC became Section 356(3) BNS?▼

Section 501 IPC corresponds to Section 356(3) BNS without any change in wording or punishment.

Where does Section 501 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 356(3) BNS, in Chapter XIX, Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc.

Does Section 501 IPC or Section 356(3) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 501 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 501 IPC. Section 356(3) 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 ·