IPC to BNS
IPC Section 120A in BNS: Section 61(1)
Section 120A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Definition of criminal conspiracy) corresponds to Section 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 120A and BNS 61(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 120A | 61(1) |
| Heading | Definition of criminal conspiracy | Criminal conspiracy |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 120B. | Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 61(2). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 120A covered
Defines criminal conspiracy: an agreement between two or more persons to do, or cause to be done, an illegal act, or a legal act by illegal means. For agreements other than to commit an offence, some act besides the agreement must be done in pursuance of it.
What changed in BNS Section 61(1)
IPC Sections 120A and 120B are merged into a single BNS Section 61. The definition now speaks of persons who agree "with the common object" to do the act; otherwise the substance is the same.
Punishment: IPC 120A compared with BNS 61(1)
- Under IPC Section 120A
- Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 120B.
- Under BNS Section 61(1)
- Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 61(2).
Which law applies: IPC or BNS?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
IPC 120A: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 120A?
IPC Section 120A (Definition of criminal conspiracy) corresponds to Section 61(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 61(1)?
Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 61(2).
Does IPC Section 120A still apply to older cases?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Related IPC sections
- IPC 109 to BNS 49 · Punishment of abetment
- IPC 120B to BNS 61(2) · Conspiracy punishment
- IPC 107 to BNS 45 · Abetment
- IPC 511 to BNS 62 · Attempt
- IPC 34 to BNS 3(5) · Common intention
Map any section inside Settl
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.