The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 is India's comprehensive criminal code that replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code of 1860. Enacted as Act No. 45 of 2023 and effective from July 1, 2024, the BNS modernizes Indian criminal law with 358 sections organized across 20 chapters, introducing new offences such as organized crime and terrorism while aligning punishments with contemporary justice principles. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 -- India's New Criminal Code The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 represents the most significant overhaul of India's criminal justice framework since independence. Enacted as Act No. 45 of 2023 and brought into force on July 1, 2024 , the BNS replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 -- a law that governed criminal conduct in India for over 163 years. The term "Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita" translates to "Indian Justice Code," symbolizing a decisive shift from the colonial legacy toward a legal system rooted in Indian values, constitutional principles, and modern-day realities. The BNS was introduced in Parliament by the Union Home Minister on August 11, 2023, as part of a trio of bills aimed at replacing the three foundational pillars of India's criminal justice system. After detailed examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee and subsequent revisions, the bill received Presidential assent on December 25, 2023. The law came into effect on July 1, 2024, alongside its companion statutes -- the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Historical Background: Replacing the Colonial-Era Indian Penal Code The Indian Penal Code (IPC) was drafted by Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay and enacted in 1860 during British colonial rule. It was designed primarily to serve the interests of the British administration and maintain control over the Indian populace. While the IPC served as a remarkably durable legal framework and influenced criminal codes across numerous Commonwealth nations, it was fundamentally a product of its time -- a colonial instrument crafted without Indian participation or consideration of Indian societal values. Over the decades since independence in 1947, the IPC was amended numerous times to address emerging challenges, but its basic structure and philosophy remained unchanged. Several Law Commission reports, judicial observations, and expert committees recommended a comprehensive review of the criminal law framework. Concerns ranged from archaic language and outdated provisions to the absence of laws addressing modern crimes such as cybercrime, organized crime, and terrorism within the primary penal statute. The demand for reform intensified in the 21st century as India witnessed rapid socioeconomic transformation, technological advancement, and evolving societal norms. The Supreme Court of India, in multiple judgments, struck down colonial-era provisions -- most notably Section 377 of the IPC (criminalizing consensual homosexual conduct) in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) and Section 497 of the IPC (adultery) in Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018). These judicial interventions underscored the urgent need for legislative modernization. The Union Government constituted a committee under Professor (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the National Law University, Delhi, to review the criminal law framework comprehensively. The committee's recommendations, combined with inputs from state governments, judiciary, bar associations, legal academics, and civil society, formed the foundation for the drafting of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Structural Overview: 358 Sections in 20 Chapters The BNS is organized into 358 sections spread across 20 chapters , compared to the IPC's 511 sections in 23 chapters. This consolidation reflects a deliberate effort to streamline criminal law by eliminating redundancies, merging overlapping provisions, and reorganizing offences into a more logical and accessible structure. The reduction in the number of sections does not signify a narrowing of criminal law's scope; rather, it reflects more efficient legislative drafting and the removal of provisions that had become obsolete or had been struck down by courts. The 20 chapters of the BNS are organized thematically as follows: Chapter I -- Preliminary (Sections 1-2): Definitions, extent, and commencement of the Act. Chapter II -- General Explanations (Sections 3-44): Definitions of key legal terms such as "act," "omission," "person," "public servant," "document," "valuable security," and "property," among others. Chapter III -- Punishments (Sections 4-8): Types of punishments including death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment, forfeiture of property, fine, and community service -- a newly introduced form of punishment. Chapter IV -- General Exceptions (Sections 14-33): Defenses such as acts done by persons of unsound mind, acts done under necessity, consent, private defense, and acts done in good faith. Chapter V -- Abetment (Sections 45-50): Provisions relating to abetment of offences and the liability of abettors. Chapter VI -- Criminal Conspiracy (Sections 61-62): Definition and punishment for criminal conspiracy. Chapter VII -- Offences against the State (Sections 147-158): Offences including waging war, sedition (redesigned as acts endangering sovereignty), espionage, and separatism. Chapter VIII -- Offences relating to the Army, Navy, and Air Force (Sections 159-161). Chapter IX -- Offences against Public Tranquility (Sections 189-197). Chapter X -- Offences by or relating to Public Servants (Sections 198-203). Chapter XI -- Offences relating to Elections (Sections 169-177). Chapter XII -- Offences relating to Coins, Currency Notes, and Government Stamps. Chapter XIII -- Offences relating to Religion. Chapter XIV -- Offences affecting the Human Body (Sections 100-146): Murder, culpable homicide, hurt, kidnapping, sexual offences, and related provisions. Chapter XV -- Offences against Property (Sections 303-334): Theft, extortion, robbery, criminal misappropriation, cheating, and mischief. Chapter XVI -- Offences relating to Documents and Property Marks. Chapter XVII -- Criminal Breach of Contract of Service. Chapter XVIII -- Offences relating to Marriage (Sections 82-89). Chapter XIX -- Offences of Defamation (Sections 356-358). Chapter XX -- Criminal Intimidation, Insult, and Annoyance. Major New Offences Introduced under BNS Organized Crime -- Section 111 Section 111 of the BNS introduces "organized crime" as a distinct and defined offence for the first time in India's primary criminal statute. Organized crime is defined as any continuing unlawful activity including kidnapping, robbery, extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic offence, cyber-crime, or trafficking of persons, drugs, weapons, or illicit goods, carried out by an individual or a group either acting alone or jointly, as a member of or on behalf of an organized crime syndicate. The punishment prescribed ranges up to life imprisonment and fine, extending to the death penalty where organized crime results in the death of any person. This provision fills a critical legislative gap, as previously such offences were addressed only through state-level laws like the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and similar statutes. Terrorism -- Section 113 Section 113 of the BNS defines and penalizes terrorism within the general criminal law for the first time. While the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) continues to operate as a special law, the inclusion of terrorism in the BNS ensures that the definition and punishment for terrorist acts are part of the mainstream criminal code. The section defines a terrorist act as any act committed with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India, or to strike terror in the people or any section thereof. The punishment ranges up to life imprisonment or death , along with fine. The section also penalizes conspiracy, abetment, and preparation for terrorist acts, as well as harboring or concealing terrorists. Petty Organized Crime -- Section 112 Section 112 introduces the concept of "petty organized crime," targeting crimes such as snatching, pick-pocketing, vehicle theft, and street crimes committed as part of a group or gang. This provision recognizes that organized criminal activity exists on a spectrum and provides proportionate punishment for lower-level but persistent organized criminal conduct that affects citizens' daily lives. Punishment includes imprisonment of one to seven years along with fine. Mob Lynching -- Sections 101(2) and 103(2) The BNS addresses mob lynching through specific provisions that criminalize murder and grievous hurt committed by a group of five or more persons acting in concert on grounds of race, caste, community, sex, place of birth, language, personal belief, or any other similar ground. Section 103(2) provides for punishment of death or life imprisonment with fine for murder by mob lynching. This responds to the Supreme Court's direction in Tehseen S. Poonawalla v. Union of India (2018), where the Court urged Parliament to create a separate penal provision for mob lynching. Community Service as Punishment The BNS introduces community service as a new form of punishment under Section 4(f) . This is a progressive reform that provides courts with an alternative to imprisonment for minor offences, reducing the burden on overcrowded prisons while promoting restorative justice. Community service may be ordered for offences such as petty theft (where the value of property is less than five thousand rupees and the offender has no previous conviction), defamation, public nuisance, appearing in a public place in an intoxicated state, and other minor offences specified under the Act. The nature and duration of community service are determined by the court based on the circumstances of the case. This reform addresses one of the most pressing challenges in India's criminal justice system -- prison overcrowding. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Indian prisons operate at approximately 130% capacity, with a significant proportion of inmates being undertrial prisoners accused of minor offences. By enabling courts to impose community service instead of imprisonment for such offences, the BNS reduces unnecessary incarceration while ensuring that offenders make a meaningful contribution to society. This aligns Indian criminal law with global best practices in sentencing and rehabilitation adopted by countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Other Notable New Provisions Hit-and-run cases (Section 106(2)) : Enhanced punishment for causing death by rash or negligent driving and fleeing the scene without reporting to authorities -- imprisonment up to 10 years and fine. Snatching (Section 304) : Defined separately as a distinct offence -- "theft by snatching" -- with enhanced punishment. Offences against women and children : Strengthened provisions including stricter punishment for sexual offences against minors, gang rape, and offences by persons in positions of authority or trust. The minimum age for rape victim is expanded to include women of all ages, removing earlier exceptions. Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India (Section 152) : Replaces the colonial-era sedition law with a more precisely defined offence. Deleted and Modified Provisions Sedition Replaced -- Section 152 One of the most significant changes in the BNS is the replacement of the colonial-era sedition law (Section 124A of the IPC) with Section 152 , which penalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. The colonial sedition law, originally designed to suppress Indian freedom fighters and political dissent, had been widely criticized as incompatible with fundamental rights, particularly freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court had effectively frozen the operation of the sedition law in S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India (2022), directing the Government to reconsider the provision. Section 152 of the BNS narrows the scope of the offence by requiring that the act must excite or attempt to excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities , or encourage separatist feelings that endanger India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Mere expression of disapproval of government actions or policies, without incitement to violence or threat to public order, is not covered. The punishment includes imprisonment up to life imprisonment or seven years along with fine . Adultery Decriminalized The BNS does not include any provision corresponding to Section 497 of the IPC (adultery), which was struck down by the Supreme Court in Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) as unconstitutional. The Court held that the provision was archaic, violated women's dignity and autonomy, and was discriminatory in treating women as property of their husbands. The BNS formally codifies this judicial decision by omitting adultery as a criminal offence entirely. Section 377 of the IPC Removed Section 377 of the IPC , which criminalized "unnatural offences" including consensual homosexual conduct, has no counterpart in the BNS. The Supreme Court had read down this provision in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018), decriminalizing consensual homosexual conduct between adults. The BNS gives legislative effect to this landmark judgment. However, provisions relating to non-consensual sexual acts continue to be covered under the BNS's comprehensive sexual offences framework. Consolidation and Simplification of Provisions Several IPC provisions that were either outdated, redundant, or dealt with the same subject matter in fragmented fashion have been consolidated, simplified, or removed entirely in the BNS. For instance: Multiple provisions relating to theft and criminal misappropriation have been rationalized. Provisions related to weights and measures offences have been simplified in light of existing special legislation. Archaic provisions relating to offences by or against servants and masters have been modernized. Provisions relating to public nuisance and obscenity have been updated to account for digital and online conduct. Gender-Neutral Language and Technology-Focused Provisions The BNS makes notable advances in incorporating gender-neutral language in several provisions, moving away from the IPC's predominantly masculine framing. While sexual offences continue to recognize the specific vulnerability of women and children, general offences are framed in language that applies equally to all persons regardless of gender. The BNS also introduces technology-focused provisions that reflect the realities of the digital age. Several offences now explicitly cover acts committed through electronic or digital means. For example: Cheating by electronic means is explicitly covered, addressing online fraud, phishing, and digital impersonation. Forgery of electronic records is recognized alongside traditional document forgery. Criminal intimidation through electronic communication is specifically addressed. Organized cyber-crime is covered under the organized crime provisions of Section 111. Publication of obscene material in electronic form and online sexual harassment are addressed with enhanced penalties. These provisions complement the Information Technology Act, 2000 and ensure that the general criminal law framework is equipped to address crimes committed in the digital space. The Three New Criminal Laws: BNS, BNSS, and BSA The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is one of three interconnected criminal law statutes that together constitute India's reformed criminal justice framework. All three laws came into effect simultaneously on July 1, 2024: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023) -- Replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860. It defines criminal offences and prescribes punishments. The BNS is the substantive criminal law that tells citizens what conduct is prohibited and what penalties apply. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (Act No. 46 of 2023) -- Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. It governs the procedure for investigation, trial, and disposal of criminal cases. Key reforms in the BNSS include mandatory use of forensic science in serious offences, mandatory time limits for investigation and trial, audio-video recording of search and seizure proceedings, use of electronic evidence, and provisions for trial in absentia. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 (Act No. 47 of 2023) -- Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. It governs the rules of evidence in judicial proceedings. The BSA modernizes the law of evidence by giving equal status to electronic records and paper documents, recognizing digital signatures, and establishing clear frameworks for the admissibility of electronic evidence including data from emails, server logs, smartphone records, and digital communications. Together, these three laws form a comprehensive and integrated criminal justice system. The BNS defines what constitutes a crime, the BNSS prescribes how that crime is to be investigated and tried, and the BSA governs what evidence is admissible and how it is to be evaluated. Cross-references between the three statutes ensure procedural and evidentiary consistency. Impact on India's Legal System The transition from the IPC to the BNS represents a paradigm shift in India's approach to criminal justice. The impact is multi-dimensional: For Legal Professionals Lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officials must familiarize themselves with the new section numbers, definitions, and procedural requirements. While many substantive provisions remain similar in content to their IPC counterparts, the renumbering requires a complete relearning of section references that have been in use for over 160 years. Courts across India have been issuing practice directions and guidelines for the transition, and legal education institutions have updated their curricula accordingly. For Law Enforcement Police officers and investigating agencies must adapt to new offence definitions, changed classifications of offences (cognizable vs. non-cognizable, bailable vs. non-bailable), and new procedural requirements under the BNSS. Training programs have been conducted nationwide to equip law enforcement personnel with knowledge of the new laws. The introduction of mandatory forensic investigation in serious cases and electronic filing of complaints represents a significant operational change. The BNS aims to make criminal law more accessible and understandable to ordinary citizens. The use of simpler language in certain provisions, the clear categorization of offences by severity, and the introduction of proportionate punishments including community service are designed to make the criminal justice system more citizen-friendly. The new laws also emphasize victim-centric justice, with provisions for victim compensation, witness protection, and timely disposal of cases. Transitional Provisions

Cases registered under the IPC before July 1, 2024, continue to be governed by the IPC, while new cases filed on or after July 1, 2024, are governed by the BNS. This creates a transitional period during which both the old and new laws operate simultaneously in different cases. Courts have been managing this transition through careful case categorization and application of the appropriate legal framework. Section 358 of the BNS contains the savings clause, which provides that any offence committed before the commencement of the BNS shall be investigated, inquired into, tried, and otherwise dealt with according to the provisions of the IPC as if the BNS had not been enacted. However, nothing in the savings clause affects the right of any person to seek bail, or any obligation of the court to consider the personal liberty of the accused, under the provisions of the Constitution. This ensures that the transition does not prejudice the rights of accused persons or create legal uncertainty in pending cases. Judiciary and Legal Education The Supreme Court of India and various High Courts have issued circulars and practice directions to facilitate the smooth implementation of the new criminal laws. The Bar Council of India has directed law universities and colleges to update their curricula to reflect the BNS, BNSS, and BSA. Competitive examinations for judicial services, civil services, and law enforcement positions have been updated to include questions on the new laws. Several states have established dedicated training academies and conducted workshops for police officers, public prosecutors, and judicial officers to ensure effective implementation of the reformed criminal justice framework. Key Features: BNS vs. IPC Comparison The following highlights the major differences between the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Indian Penal Code: Number of Sections : BNS has 358 sections compared to IPC's 511 sections, reflecting consolidation and removal of redundant provisions. Number of Chapters : BNS is organized in 20 chapters versus IPC's 23 chapters. New Offences : BNS introduces organized crime (Section 111), petty organized crime (Section 112), terrorism (Section 113), mob lynching, and hit-and-run as specific offences -- none of which existed in the IPC's main text. Community Service : BNS introduces community service as a form of punishment; IPC had no such provision. Sedition : IPC Section 124A (sedition) is replaced by BNS Section 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), which has a narrower and more precisely defined scope. Adultery : IPC Section 497 (adultery as criminal offence) has no counterpart in BNS, formalizing the Supreme Court's 2018 decision. Section 377 : IPC Section 377 (unnatural offences) has no counterpart in BNS, formalizing the Supreme Court's 2018 decision decriminalizing consensual homosexual conduct. Technology : BNS explicitly addresses crimes committed through electronic and digital means; IPC had limited provisions for technology-related offences. Gender Sensitivity : BNS uses more gender-neutral language and strengthens provisions for offences against women and children. Victim-Centric Approach : BNS places greater emphasis on victim rights, compensation, and timely justice compared to the IPC. Proportionate Punishment : BNS introduces a more graduated and proportionate punishment framework, including community service for minor offences and enhanced penalties for grave offences. IPC Cross-Referencing : Many BNS sections correspond directly to former IPC sections, enabling practitioners to cross-reference and compare provisions during the transition period. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita represents India's commitment to building a criminal justice system that is modern, just, equitable, and aligned with constitutional values. By replacing a 163-year-old colonial statute with a comprehensive and forward-looking criminal code, India has taken a historic step toward decolonizing its legal framework. The BNS preserves the best elements of the IPC -- its logical structure, precision in defining offences, and comprehensive coverage -- while discarding colonial vestiges and incorporating provisions that address 21st-century challenges. As the legal community, law enforcement agencies, and citizens continue to engage with the new law, its full impact on India's justice delivery system will unfold in the years to come. The success of this transformative legislation will ultimately be measured by its ability to deliver timely, fair, and accessible justice to every citizen of India. All BNS Sections by Chapter Chapter I — Preliminary Sections 1-3 · 3 sections Chapter I of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covers preliminary provisions including the short title, extent, commencement of the Act, definitions of key legal terms, and general explanations used throughout the legislation. Chapter II — Of Punishments Sections 4-13 · 10 sections Chapter II prescribes the various types of punishments under the BNS, including death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment (rigorous and simple), forfeiture of property, fine, and community service. It also covers provisions relating to commutation of sentences, solitary confinement, enhanced punishment for certain offences, and the calculation of fractions of terms of punishment. Chapter III — General Exceptions Sections 14-44 · 31 sections Chapter III sets out the general exceptions under which acts that would otherwise be offences are not considered criminal. It covers acts done by persons bound by law, acts done by mistake of fact, accidents, acts done by persons of unsound mind, intoxication, consent, good faith, communication, and the right of private defence of person and property. Chapter IV — Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt Sections 45-62 · 18 sections Chapter IV deals with the offences of abetment, criminal conspiracy, and attempt to commit offences. It defines abetment by instigation, conspiracy, and intentional aiding, prescribes punishments for abettors, and addresses criminal conspiracies. The chapter also covers liability when the act abetted is committed or not committed, and the effect of the abettor's presence at the commission of the offence. Chapter V — Of Offences against Woman and Child Sections 63-99 · 37 sections Chapter V consolidates offences specifically targeting women and children, including rape and aggravated forms of sexual assault, sexual harassment, voyeurism, stalking, disrobing, acid attacks, dowry death, cruelty by husband or relatives, kidnapping and abduction of women and minors, importation of girls, and offences related to procuration and trafficking. This chapter reflects the enhanced protections introduced under the BNS. Chapter VI — Of Offences affecting the Human Body Sections 100-146 · 47 sections Chapter VI covers offences that affect the human body, including culpable homicide, murder, causing death by negligence, attempt to murder, organised crime, petty organised crime, and terrorism. It also addresses offences of hurt, grievous hurt, voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons, wrongful restraint and confinement, kidnapping and abduction, trafficking of persons, forced labour, and exposure and abandonment of children. Chapter VII — Of Offences against the State Sections 147-158 · 12 sections Chapter VII addresses offences that threaten the security and sovereignty of the State. It includes waging or attempting to wage war against the Government of India, sedition-related provisions (acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), conspiracy to commit certain offences against the State, collecting arms for waging war, concealment of designs to wage war, and acts of assaulting or obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duty. Chapter VIII — Of Offences relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force Sections 159-168 · 10 sections Chapter VIII deals with offences related to the armed forces of India. It covers abetment of mutiny, attempts to seduce soldiers, sailors, or airmen from their duty, desertion, harbouring deserters, abetment of assault by members of the armed forces on their superior officers, and wearing the garb or carrying any token used by soldiers, sailors, or airmen with intent to deceive. Chapter IX — Of Offences relating to Elections Sections 169-177 · 9 sections Chapter IX addresses offences that undermine the electoral process. It covers bribery in connection with elections, undue influence at elections, personation at elections, making false statements in connection with elections, illegal payments in connection with elections, failure to maintain election accounts, and related electoral offences designed to safeguard the democratic process. Chapter X — Of Offences relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes and Government Stamps Sections 178-188 · 11 sections Chapter X deals with offences related to counterfeiting and tampering with coins, currency notes, bank notes, and government stamps. It covers counterfeiting of coins and currency notes, possession of instruments or materials for counterfeiting, making or selling instruments for counterfeiting, import and export of counterfeit currency, and fraudulent use of government stamps. Chapter XI — Of Offences against the Public Tranquillity Sections 189-197 · 9 sections Chapter XI addresses offences that disturb public peace and tranquillity. It covers unlawful assembly and its common object, membership of unlawful assembly, rioting and rioting armed with deadly weapons, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and committing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. It also includes provisions on affray. Chapter XII — Of Offences by or relating to Public Servants Sections 198-205 · 8 sections Chapter XII covers offences committed by public servants in their official capacity or related to their functions. It includes public servants disobeying the law with intent to cause injury, framing incorrect documents, unlawful engagement in trade, unlawful purchase or bidding for property, personation of public servants, and public servants obtaining any valuable thing without consideration from persons concerned in proceedings or business transacted by them. Chapter XIII — Of Contempts of the Lawful Authority of Public Servants Sections 206-226 · 21 sections Chapter XIII deals with offences that constitute contempt of the lawful authority of public servants. It includes absconding to avoid service of summons, preventing service of summons, non-attendance in obedience to an order from a public servant, omission to produce documents, omission to give notice or furnish information, furnishing false information, resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant, and obstruction of public servants in discharge of public functions. Chapter XIV — Of False Evidence and Offences against Public Justice Sections 227-269 · 43 sections Chapter XIV addresses the giving of false evidence and offences that obstruct or corrupt the administration of justice. It covers giving false evidence, fabricating false evidence, using as true evidence known to be fabricated, issuing or signing false certificates, destruction of documents to prevent their production as evidence, false personation, and various forms of screening offenders, harbouring offenders, and taking gifts to help in the recovery of stolen property. Chapter XV — Of Offences affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals Sections 270-297 · 33 sections Chapter XV covers offences that endanger public health, safety, convenience, decency, and morals. It includes public nuisance, negligent acts likely to spread infection, adulteration of food, drugs, and water, rash or negligent driving, sale of obscene material, obscene acts in public, keeping a lottery office, and offences relating to obscene publications and representations. The chapter aims to protect community well-being and public morality. Chapter XVI — Of Offences relating to Religion Sections 298-302 · 32 sections Chapter XVI addresses offences that injure or defile religious sentiments and places of worship. It covers injuring or defiling places of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, disturbing religious assemblies, trespassing on burial places, and uttering words or making gestures with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings. Chapter XVII — Of Offences against Property Sections 303-334 · 16 sections Chapter XVII is a comprehensive chapter covering offences against property. It includes theft and snatching, extortion, robbery and dacoity, criminal misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, fraudulent deeds and dispositions, mischief, and criminal trespass. The chapter introduces the new offence of snatching as a distinct category. Chapter XVIII — Of Offences relating to Documents and to Property Marks Sections 335-350 · 3 sections Chapter XVIII deals with offences related to forgery, falsification, and tampering of documents and property marks. It covers making false documents, forgery and its aggravated forms (forgery of court records, valuable securities, wills, and authorities), using forged documents as genuine, counterfeiting of devices or marks used for authenticating documents, and making or possessing counterfeit property marks. Chapter XIX — Of Criminal Intimidation, Insult, Annoyance, Defamation, etc. Sections 351-357 · 3 sections Chapter XIX covers offences of criminal intimidation, insult, annoyance, and defamation. It defines criminal intimidation and its punishment (including intimidation by anonymous communication or threat to cause death or grievous hurt), insult intended to provoke breach of the peace, intentional insult with intent to provoke, statements conducing to public mischief, defamation and its exceptions, and breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of a helpless person. Chapter XX — Of Repeal and Savings Section 358 · 2 sections Chapter XX contains the repeal and savings provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 358 formally repeals the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Act 45 of 1860) and provides savings clauses to ensure continuity of legal proceedings, rights, and obligations that existed under the repealed law, thereby facilitating a smooth transition from the old penal code to the new criminal legislation. Frequently Asked Questions about BNS Download Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 — Full Act PDF Download the complete text of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023) as published in the Gazette of India. Includes all 358 sections across 20 chapters. Need a Criminal Lawyer? Get expert legal advice on matters related to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from verified lawyers across India. Content reviewed by Adv. Naveen Arya , practicing advocate. Last updated: 11 September 2026. Find lawyers near you