IPC 504→BNS 352

IPC 504 to BNS 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace

Section 504 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 352 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 504 →View BNS Section 352 →

IPC 504 to BNS 352 at a Glance

Section 504 IPC (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) is now Section 352 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 504 to BNS 352?

Section 504 IPC corresponds to Section 352 BNS. Section 352 BNS adds the phrase in any manner after intentionally insults. The punishment of imprisonment of either description up to two years, or fine, or both, is unchanged.

IPC 504 vs BNS 352: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section504352
OffenceIntentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peaceSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to two years.Same
FineFine in place of imprisonment, or both. The section sets no limit.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableCompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 504 and BNS 352: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 504, IPC 1860

504. Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.—Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 352, BNS 2023

Whoever intentionally insults in any manner, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 504 vs BNS 352

Under IPC 504
  1. Intentionally insulting any person
  2. Thereby giving provocation to that person
  3. Intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause that person to break the public peace or commit any other offence
Under BNS 352
  1. Intentionally insulting any person in any manner
  2. Giving provocation to that person thereby
  3. Intending or knowing it to be likely that the provocation will cause that person to break the public peace or commit any other offence

What IPC 504 to BNS 352 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 504 IPC (now Section 352 BNS): under Section 352 BNS, an intentional insult given in any manner, with intent to provoke a breach of the public peace or any other offence, remains punishable as before.

FAQs: IPC 504 to BNS 352

What changed when Section 504 IPC became Section 352 BNS?▼

Section 504 IPC corresponds to Section 352 BNS, which adds the words in any manner while preserving the two-year maximum term and fine.

Where does Section 504 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 352 BNS, in Chapter XIX, Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc.

Does Section 504 IPC or Section 352 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 504 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 504 IPC. Section 352 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 ·