IPC to BNS
IPC Section 339 in BNS: Section 126(1)
Section 339 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Wrongful restraint) corresponds to Section 126(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 339 and BNS 126(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 339 | 126(1) |
| Heading | Wrongful restraint | Wrongful restraint |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment under IPC Section 341: simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹500, or both. | Definition only. Punishment under BNS Section 126(2): simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 339 covered
Defines wrongful restraint: voluntarily obstructing a person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which the person has a right to proceed.
What changed in BNS Section 126(1)
IPC Sections 339 and 341 are merged into BNS Section 126. The definition is the same; the maximum fine for the offence rises from ₹500 to ₹5,000.
Punishment: IPC 339 compared with BNS 126(1)
- Under IPC Section 339
- Definition only. Punishment under IPC Section 341: simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹500, or both.
- Under BNS Section 126(1)
- Definition only. Punishment under BNS Section 126(2): simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 339: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 339?
IPC Section 339 (Wrongful restraint) corresponds to Section 126(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 126(1)?
Definition only. Punishment under BNS Section 126(2): simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
Does IPC Section 339 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 341 to BNS 126(2) · Wrongful restraint
- IPC 340 to BNS 127(1) · Wrongful confinement
- IPC 342 to BNS 127(2) · Wrongful confinement
- IPC 349 to BNS 128 · Force (definition)
- IPC 350 to BNS 129 · Criminal force
- IPC 351 to BNS 130 · Assault (definition)
- IPC 353 to BNS 132 · Assault on public servant
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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.