IPC to BNS
IPC Section 379 in BNS: Section 303(2)
Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Punishment for theft) corresponds to Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 379 and BNS 303(2) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 379 | 303(2) |
| Heading | Punishment for theft | Punishment for theft |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. | Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Second or subsequent conviction: rigorous imprisonment of not less than 1 year and up to 5 years, and fine. First-time offender, property worth less than ₹5,000 and returned or restored: community service. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 379 covered
Provides the punishment for theft.
What changed in BNS Section 303(2)
The basic punishment is unchanged. BNS Section 303(2) adds a mandatory minimum for repeat offenders and introduces community service for first-time petty theft where the value of the property is returned or the property restored.
Punishment: IPC 379 compared with BNS 303(2)
- Under IPC Section 379
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
- Under BNS Section 303(2)
- Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Second or subsequent conviction: rigorous imprisonment of not less than 1 year and up to 5 years, and fine. First-time offender, property worth less than ₹5,000 and returned or restored: community service.
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 379: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 379?
IPC Section 379 (Punishment for theft) corresponds to Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 303(2)?
Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both. Second or subsequent conviction: rigorous imprisonment of not less than 1 year and up to 5 years, and fine. First-time offender, property worth less than ₹5,000 and returned or restored: community service.
Does IPC Section 379 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 378 to BNS 303(1) · Theft (definition)
- 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.