IPC to BNS
IPC Section 354D in BNS: Section 78
Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Stalking) corresponds to Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 354D and BNS 78 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 354D | 78 |
| Heading | Stalking | Stalking |
| Punishment | First conviction: imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. Second or subsequent conviction: up to 5 years and fine. | First conviction: imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. Second or subsequent conviction: up to 5 years and fine. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 354D covered
Punishes a man who follows a woman and contacts or attempts to contact her to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest, or who monitors her use of the internet, email or other electronic communication.
What changed in BNS Section 78
The provision is carried over without a substantive change; only the section number is new.
Punishment: IPC 354D compared with BNS 78
The punishment is the same under both codes. First conviction: imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. Second or subsequent conviction: up to 5 years and fine.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 354D: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 354D?
IPC Section 354D (Stalking) corresponds to Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 78?
First conviction: imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. Second or subsequent conviction: up to 5 years and fine.
Does IPC Section 354D 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 354C to BNS 77 · Voyeurism
- IPC 366 to BNS 87 · Abduction for marriage
- IPC 354B to BNS 76 · Disrobing
- IPC 498A to BNS 85 · Cruelty by husband
- IPC 354A to BNS 75 · Sexual harassment
- IPC 509 to BNS 79 · Insulting modesty
- IPC 354 to BNS 74 · Outraging modesty
- IPC 494 to BNS 82(1) · Bigamy
Map any section inside Settl
The signed-in Section Mapper converts sections in both directions across the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act and their replacements, alongside your matter files, drafts and court diary.
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.