IPC to BNS
IPC Section 363 in BNS: Section 137(2)
Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Punishment for kidnapping) corresponds to Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 363 and BNS 137(2) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 363 | 137(2) |
| Heading | Punishment for kidnapping | Punishment for kidnapping |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. | Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 363 covered
Punishes kidnapping any person from India or from lawful guardianship.
What changed in BNS Section 137(2)
The punishment is unchanged. It is now sub-section (2) of BNS Section 137, which also contains the definitions.
Punishment: IPC 363 compared with BNS 137(2)
The punishment is the same under both codes. Imprisonment up to 7 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 363: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 363?
IPC Section 363 (Punishment for kidnapping) corresponds to Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 137(2)?
Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Does IPC Section 363 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 364A to BNS 140(2) · Kidnapping for ransom
- IPC 359 to BNS 137(1) · Kidnapping (definition)
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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.