IPC 53→BNS 4

IPC 53 to BNS 4: Punishments

Section 53 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 4 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 53 →View BNS Section 4 →

IPC 53 to BNS 4 at a Glance

Section 53 IPC (Punishments) is now Section 4 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 53 to BNS 4?

Section 4 BNS keeps the five punishments and adds a sixth. Community service is now listed as clause f. The BNS also letters the clauses a to f, in place of the IPC words First, Secondly, Fourthly, Fifthly and Sixthly, and says this Sanhita where the IPC said this Code. It is now the first section of Chapter II of the BNS.

IPC 53 vs BNS 4: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section534
OffencePunishmentsSame
PunishmentNone. Section 53 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 4 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 53 and BNS 4: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 53, IPC 1860

53. Punishments.—The punishments to which offenders are liable under the provisions of this Code are— First.—Death; Secondly.—Imprisonment for life; *** Fourthly.—Imprisonment, which is of two descriptions, namely:— (1) Rigorous, that is, with hard labour; (2) Simple; Fifthly.—Forfeiture of property; Sixthly.—Fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 4, BNS 2023

The punishments to which offenders are liable under the provisions of this Sanhita are— (a) Death; (b) Imprisonment for life; (c) Imprisonment, which is of two descriptions, namely:— (1) Rigorous, that is, with hard labour; (2) Simple; (d) Forfeiture of property; (e) Fine; (f) Community Service.

Ingredients: IPC 53 vs BNS 4

Under IPC 53
  1. Offenders liable to punishment under the provisions of the Code
  2. Death
  3. Imprisonment for life
  4. Imprisonment of two descriptions, rigorous, that is with hard labour, and simple
  5. Forfeiture of property
  6. Fine
Under BNS 4
  1. Offenders liable to punishment under the provisions of the Sanhita
  2. Death or imprisonment for life
  3. Imprisonment of two descriptions, namely rigorous, that is with hard labour, and simple
  4. Forfeiture of property or fine
  5. Community service

What IPC 53 to BNS 4 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 53 IPC (now Section 4 BNS): community service is the only new punishment. The BNS lists it but does not define it in the same section. It applies where an offence section provides for it, as Section 202 BNS does for a public servant unlawfully engaging in trade and Section 356(2) BNS does for defamation.

FAQs: IPC 53 to BNS 4

Section 53 IPC: does the BNS list the same punishments?▼

Yes, and one more. Section 4 BNS lists death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment, forfeiture of property and fine, and adds community service.

Where does Section 53 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 4 BNS, the first section of Chapter II, headed Punishments.

Does Section 53 IPC or Section 4 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 53 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 53 IPC. Section 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 ·