IPC to BNS
IPC Section 499 in BNS: Section 356(1)
Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Defamation) corresponds to Section 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 499 and BNS 356(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 499 | 356(1) |
| Heading | Defamation | Defamation |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 500. | Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 356(2). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 499 covered
Defines defamation: making or publishing any imputation concerning a person, by words, signs or visible representations, intending to harm or knowing it will harm that person's reputation, subject to ten exceptions such as truth for the public good and fair comment.
What changed in BNS Section 356(1)
IPC Sections 499 to 502 are merged into BNS Section 356. The definition, explanations and ten exceptions are retained.
Punishment: IPC 499 compared with BNS 356(1)
- Under IPC Section 499
- Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 500.
- Under BNS Section 356(1)
- Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 356(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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 499: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 499?
IPC Section 499 (Defamation) corresponds to Section 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 356(1)?
Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 356(2).
Does IPC Section 499 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 500 to BNS 356(2) · Defamation
- IPC 503 to BNS 351(1) · Criminal intimidation
- IPC 506 to BNS 351(2) · Criminal intimidation
- IPC 504 to BNS 352 · Intentional insult
Map any section inside Settl
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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.