IPC to BNS
IPC Section 376AB in BNS: Section 65(2)
Section 376AB of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age) corresponds to Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 376AB and BNS 65(2) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 376AB | 65(2) |
| Heading | Punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age | Punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age |
| Punishment | Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine, or death. | Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine, or death. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 376AB covered
Provides the punishment for rape of a woman under twelve years of age.
What changed in BNS Section 65(2)
The punishment is unchanged. BNS Section 65 now holds both the under-sixteen provision, as sub-section (1), and the under-twelve provision, as sub-section (2).
Punishment: IPC 376AB compared with BNS 65(2)
The punishment is the same under both codes. Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine, or death.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 376AB: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 376AB?
IPC Section 376AB (Punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age) corresponds to Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 65(2)?
Rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years, extendable to imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, and fine, or death.
Does IPC Section 376AB 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 376A to BNS 66 · Rape causing death
- IPC 376D to BNS 70(1) · Gang rape
- IPC 376 to BNS 64 · Punishment for rape
- IPC 377 to BNS (omitted) · Unnatural offences
- IPC 375 to BNS 63 · Rape (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.