The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 came into force on 1 July 2024, subject to the notified exception. It replaced the IPC framework for offences going forward, but the date of the alleged conduct and transitional questions matter.
Published 2026-07-16 · Last updated 2026-07-16 · India
BNS concerns substantive offences
The BNS consolidates and amends provisions relating to offences. Criminal procedure is principally addressed by the BNSS, and evidence by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
Dates cannot be ignored
The date of alleged conduct, registration and proceeding may affect which statutory references appear. Old and new section numbers should not be treated as interchangeable labels.
Use the actual record
Read the FIR, complaint, charge and order rather than relying on a social-media section-number chart. Current official text and case-specific advice are essential.
Official sources
Legal provisions can change and their application depends on the facts. Review the current official text and obtain case-specific advice.
India Code records the enforcement date as 1 July 2024, with the notified exception shown in the official text.
Is the BNS the same as criminal procedure?
No. The BNS primarily states offences; the BNSS primarily addresses criminal procedure.
This article is for general legal information. It is not a substitute for advice after review of a particular matter. Statutory text and procedure may change.
