BNS • May 28, 2026 • 8 min read

BNS vs IPC: What Changed for the Accused Under India's New Criminal Code


The transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) reclassified several criminal charges and introduced progressive reforms.

Key Section Changes

Defamation is now under Section 356 BNS. Cheating (formerly IPC 420) is now Section 318 BNS. Murder (formerly IPC 302) is Section 101 BNS. Theft (formerly IPC 379) is Section 303 BNS. Review our complete BNS Bare Acts portal for full section details.

Progressive Reforms

The BNS has introduced community service for petty crimes, increased penalties for organized syndicate crimes, and updated definitions to cover digital transactions and assets.


BNSS Certified Content

Need Urgent Legal Counsel?

Our panel of experienced BNSS-certified criminal lawyers are available 24/7 in Mumbai.

Talk To An Advocate Now

Related Articles

Bail Regular Bail vs Anticipatory Bail in India: Key Differences, Procedure and Eligibility (2026) Bail Regular Bail in India: Procedure, Documents & Eligibility (2026) Bail Types of Bail in India: Regular, Anticipatory, Interim and Default Bail BNSS Anticipatory Bail in India: Section 482 BNSS Procedure & Eligibility (2026) Legal Consultation Bail Jini Legal Consultation: 24/7 Emergency Criminal Guidance & Consultation Process in Mumbai Legal Aid Government Legal Aid in Mumbai: DLSA Eligibility, Legal Services Authorities & Citizen Rights Criminal Defence Cheque Bounce Lawyer in Mumbai | Section 138 NI Act Expert Legal Support – Bail Jini Bail Choosing an Anticipatory Bail Lawyer in Mumbai: Evaluation Criteria & BNSS Court Considerations Bail NDPS Bail in Mumbai: Section 37 Twin Conditions, Quantity Thresholds & High Court Procedure Bail Immediate Steps When Apprehending Arrest in Mumbai: Pre-Arrest Bail Procedure Under Section 482 BNSS Criminal Law Police Station Visit Lawyer in Mumbai – Secure Your Rights Before It's Too Late BNSS Bail Jurisprudence Under the BNSS: Personal Liberty, Arrest and Judicial Discretion Bail Documents and Procedural Checklist for Anticipatory Bail Under Section 482 BNSS in Mumbai Bail Anticipatory Bail Grounds, Court Conditions & Refusal Remedies Under BNSS Local Guides Bail Lawyer in Mumbai: Court Jurisdiction & Bail Guide Local Guides Bail Lawyer in Lucknow: District Court & High Court Guide Local Guides Bail Lawyer in Pune: Shivajinagar District Court FAQs Local Guides Bail Lawyer in Kolkata: Jurisdiction & Alipore Court FAQs FAQ Bail in India: Frequently Asked Questions (2026) Judgements Latest Bail Judgments & News in India 2026: Supreme Court & High Court Updates Bail Guides Bail Bond and Surety Verification in India: Documents & Court Release Bail Default Bail in India: Chargesheet Deadlines, Statutory Detention & Timelines Guide Bail Guides How to Get Anticipatory Bail in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026) Bail Types of Bail in India: A Complete Guide to Regular, Anticipatory, Interim & Default Bail (2026) Bail What to Do When Someone Is Arrested in India: Your Complete Rights Guide (2026) Judgements Landmark Judgments on Anticipatory Bail and Regular Bail in India: The Complete Case Law Guide (2026) Legal Services Police Station-Wise Bail & Court Jurisdiction Guide Bail Guides Bail vs Anticipatory Bail: The Complete 2026 Guide Under BNSS BNSS CrPC to BNSS: 5 Major Changes to Bail Law You Must Know in 2026 Bail How to Get Bail in India: A Complete BNSS Guide for 2026 Bail What Is Anticipatory Bail in India and When Should You Apply? Bail Laws Statutory Analysis of Default Bail: Section 187 & Section 479 BNSS vs CrPC Provisions Legal Advice What to Do Immediately After an FIR is Filed Against You in India Bail Jurisprudence Personal Bonds vs. Sureties in Indian Criminal Law: Legal Distinctions & Security Framework High Court Bombay High Court Bail Process After Sessions Court Rejection Cybercrime & Banking Bank Account Frozen Due to a Cybercrime Complaint in India: Legal Grounds, Police Powers & Procedure to Unfreeze Criminal Procedure Mumbai Criminal Courts & Remand Guide: Magistrate Proceedings, Police Custody and Bail Under BNSS PMLA & White-Collar Defence ED Summons Under Section 50 PMLA: Legal Rights, Statement Recording and Procedure to Respond PMLA & Bail Jurisprudence PMLA Bail in India: Section 45 Twin Conditions, Procedure and Key Judgments PMLA & Asset Protection ED Property Attachment Under PMLA: Section 5, Adjudication and Legal Remedies