IPC to BNS
IPC Section 309 in BNS: Section 226
Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Attempt to commit suicide) corresponds to Section 226 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 309 and BNS 226 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 309 | 226 |
| Heading | Attempt to commit suicide | Attempt to commit suicide to compel or restraint exercise of lawful power |
| Punishment | Simple imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both. | Under BNS Section 226: simple imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both, or community service. |
| Mapping | Partial equivalent | |
What IPC Section 309 covered
Made it an offence to attempt to commit suicide and do any act towards its commission. Section 115 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 had already presumed severe stress in such cases and largely barred prosecution.
What changed in BNS Section 226
The general offence of attempting suicide is not re-enacted. BNS Section 226 is narrower: it applies only to an attempt to commit suicide made with the intent to compel or restrain a public servant from discharging official duty.
Punishment: IPC 309 compared with BNS 226
- Under IPC Section 309
- Simple imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
- Under BNS Section 226
- Under BNS Section 226: simple imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both, or community service.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 309: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 309?
IPC Section 309 (Attempt to commit suicide) corresponds to Section 226 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 226?
Under BNS Section 226: simple imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both, or community service.
Does IPC Section 309 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 308 to BNS 110 · Attempt to culpable homicide
- IPC 307 to BNS 109 · Attempt to murder
- IPC 306 to BNS 108 · Abetment of suicide
- IPC 304A to BNS 106(1) · Death by negligence
- IPC 304 to BNS 105 · Culpable homicide
- IPC 302 to BNS 103(1) · Murder
- IPC 300 to BNS 101 · Murder (definition)
- IPC 299 to BNS 100 · Culpable homicide
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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.