IPC to BNS
IPC Section 376 in BNS: Section 64
Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Punishment for rape) corresponds to Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 376 and BNS 64 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 376 | 64 |
| Heading | Punishment for rape | Punishment for rape |
| Punishment | Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to imprisonment for life, and fine. In aggravated cases, life imprisonment means the remainder of the person's natural life. | Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to imprisonment for life, and fine. In aggravated cases, life imprisonment means the remainder of the person's natural life. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 376 covered
Provides the punishment for rape, with a higher range for aggravated cases such as rape by a police officer, public servant, member of the armed forces, a person in a position of trust or authority, or on a woman incapable of giving consent.
What changed in BNS Section 64
The punishment is unchanged. Rape of a woman under sixteen, formerly IPC Section 376(3), is now BNS Section 65(1).
Punishment: IPC 376 compared with BNS 64
The punishment is the same under both codes. Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to imprisonment for life, and fine. In aggravated cases, life imprisonment means the remainder of the person's natural life.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 376: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 376?
IPC Section 376 (Punishment for rape) corresponds to Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 64?
Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 10 years, extendable to imprisonment for life, and fine. In aggravated cases, life imprisonment means the remainder of the person's natural life.
Does IPC Section 376 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 375 to BNS 63 · Rape (definition)
- IPC 376A to BNS 66 · Rape causing death
- IPC 376AB to BNS 65(2) · Rape of child under 12
- IPC 376D to BNS 70(1) · Gang rape
- IPC 377 to BNS (omitted) · Unnatural offences
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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.