IPC to BNS
IPC Section 378 in BNS: Section 303(1)
Section 378 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Theft) corresponds to Section 303(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 378 and BNS 303(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 378 | 303(1) |
| Heading | Theft | Theft |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 379. | Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 303(2). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 378 covered
Defines theft: dishonestly moving any movable property out of the possession of any person without that person's consent, intending to take it.
What changed in BNS Section 303(1)
IPC Sections 378 and 379 are merged into BNS Section 303. The definition is the same.
Punishment: IPC 378 compared with BNS 303(1)
- Under IPC Section 378
- Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 379.
- Under BNS Section 303(1)
- Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 303(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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 378: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 378?
IPC Section 378 (Theft) corresponds to Section 303(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 303(1)?
Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 303(2).
Does IPC Section 378 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 379 to BNS 303(2) · Theft
- IPC 380 to BNS 305(a) · Theft in dwelling house
- IPC 383 to BNS 308(1) · Extortion (definition)
- IPC 384 to BNS 308(2) · Extortion
- IPC 390 to BNS 309(1) · Robbery (definition)
- IPC 392 to BNS 309(4) · Robbery
- IPC 394 to BNS 309(6) · Hurt in robbery
- IPC 395 to BNS 310(2) · Dacoity
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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.