IPC to BNS
IPC Section 500 in BNS: Section 356(2)
Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Punishment for defamation) corresponds to Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 500 and BNS 356(2) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 500 | 356(2) |
| Heading | Punishment for defamation | Punishment for defamation |
| Punishment | Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both. | Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both, or community service. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 500 covered
Provides the punishment for defaming another person.
What changed in BNS Section 356(2)
BNS Section 356(2) adds community service as an alternative punishment. The term is unchanged.
Punishment: IPC 500 compared with BNS 356(2)
- Under IPC Section 500
- Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
- Under BNS Section 356(2)
- Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both, or 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 500: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 500?
IPC Section 500 (Punishment for defamation) corresponds to Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 356(2)?
Simple imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both, or community service.
Does IPC Section 500 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 499 to BNS 356(1) · Defamation (definition)
- IPC 503 to BNS 351(1) · Criminal intimidation
- IPC 506 to BNS 351(2) · Criminal intimidation
- IPC 504 to BNS 352 · Intentional insult
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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.