IPC to BNS
IPC Section 498A in BNS: Section 85
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) corresponds to Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 498A and BNS 85 at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 498A | 85 |
| Heading | Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty | Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty |
| Punishment | Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. | Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 498A covered
Punishes the husband, or a relative of the husband, of a woman who subjects her to cruelty. Cruelty means wilful conduct likely to drive her to suicide or cause grave injury, or harassment to coerce her or her relatives to meet an unlawful demand for property.
What changed in BNS Section 85
The offence and punishment are unchanged. The definition of cruelty, which was an Explanation to Section 498A, is now a separate provision, BNS Section 86.
Punishment: IPC 498A compared with BNS 85
The punishment is the same under both codes. Imprisonment up to 3 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 498A: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 498A?
IPC Section 498A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) corresponds to Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 85?
Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
Does IPC Section 498A 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 366 to BNS 87 · Abduction for marriage
- IPC 509 to BNS 79 · Insulting modesty
- IPC 354D to BNS 78 · Stalking
- IPC 494 to BNS 82(1) · Bigamy
- IPC 354C to BNS 77 · Voyeurism
- IPC 354B to BNS 76 · Disrobing
- IPC 354A to BNS 75 · Sexual harassment
- IPC 354 to BNS 74 · Outraging modesty
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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.