IPC to BNS
IPC Section 279 in BNS: Section 281
Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Rash driving or riding on a public way) corresponds to Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 279 and BNS 281 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 279 | 281 |
| Heading | Rash driving or riding on a public way | Rash driving or riding on a public way |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both. | Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 279 covered
Punishes driving a vehicle, or riding, on a public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person.
What changed in BNS Section 281
The provision is carried over without a substantive change; only the section number is new.
Punishment: IPC 279 compared with BNS 281
The punishment is the same under both codes. Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 279: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 279?
IPC Section 279 (Rash driving or riding on a public way) corresponds to Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 281?
Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
Does IPC Section 279 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
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- IPC 148 to BNS 191(3) · Armed rioting
- IPC 147 to BNS 191(2) · Rioting
- IPC 143 to BNS 189(2) · Unlawful assembly member
- IPC 141 to BNS 189(1) · Unlawful assembly
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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.