IPC 502→BNS 356(4)

IPC 502 to BNS 356(4): Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter

Section 502 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 356(4) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 502 →View BNS Section 356(4) →

IPC 502 to BNS 356(4) at a Glance

Section 502 IPC (Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter) is now Section 356(4) 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 502 to BNS 356(4)?

Section 502 IPC corresponds to Section 356(4) BNS with identical wording and punishment. Community service, provided for simple defamation under Section 356(2) BNS, is not added to this provision.

IPC 502 vs BNS 356(4): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section502356(4)
OffenceSale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matterSame
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 502 and BNS 356(4): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 502, IPC 1860

502. Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter.—Whoever sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing that it contains such matter, 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(4), BNS 2023

Whoever sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing that it contains such matter, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 502 vs BNS 356(4)

Under IPC 502
  1. Selling or offering for sale any printed or engraved substance
  2. The substance containing defamatory matter
  3. Knowing that the substance contains such defamatory matter
Under BNS 356(4)
  1. Selling or offering for sale a printed or engraved substance
  2. The substance containing matter defamatory of any person under Section 356(1) BNS
  3. Knowledge on the part of the seller that the substance contains such defamatory matter

What IPC 502 to BNS 356(4) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 502 IPC (now Section 356(4) BNS): under Section 356(4) BNS, selling or offering for sale matter known to be defamatory carries the same penalty as before, requiring proof of actual knowledge that the substance contained defamatory matter.

FAQs: IPC 502 to BNS 356(4)

What changed when Section 502 IPC became Section 356(4) BNS?▼

Section 502 IPC corresponds to Section 356(4) BNS without any change in wording or punishment.

Where does Section 502 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 356(4) BNS, in Chapter XIX, Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc.

Does Section 502 IPC or Section 356(4) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 502 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 502 IPC. Section 356(4) 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 ·