IPC to BNS
IPC Section 359 in BNS: Section 137(1)
Section 359 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Kidnapping) corresponds to Section 137(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 359 and BNS 137(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 359 | 137(1) |
| Heading | Kidnapping | Kidnapping |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 363. | Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 137(2). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 359 covered
States that kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India and kidnapping from lawful guardianship. The two kinds were defined in IPC Sections 360 and 361.
What changed in BNS Section 137(1)
IPC Sections 359, 360, 361 and 363 are merged into BNS Section 137. Kidnapping from lawful guardianship now protects any child, meaning a person below eighteen, in place of the earlier ages of sixteen for a male and eighteen for a female.
Punishment: IPC 359 compared with BNS 137(1)
- Under IPC Section 359
- Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 363.
- Under BNS Section 137(1)
- Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 137(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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 359: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 359?
IPC Section 359 (Kidnapping) corresponds to Section 137(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 137(1)?
Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 137(2).
Does IPC Section 359 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 362 to BNS 138 · Abduction
- IPC 363 to BNS 137(2) · Kidnapping
- IPC 364A to BNS 140(2) · Kidnapping for ransom
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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.