IPC to BNS
IPC Section 503 in BNS: Section 351(1)
Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Criminal intimidation) corresponds to Section 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 503 and BNS 351(1) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 503 | 351(1) |
| Heading | Criminal intimidation | Criminal intimidation |
| Punishment | Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 506. | Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 351(2) and (3). |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 503 covered
Defines criminal intimidation: threatening another with injury to person, reputation or property, or to someone in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm or to cause that person to do or omit an act.
What changed in BNS Section 351(1)
IPC Sections 503, 506 and 507 are merged into BNS Section 351. The definition now expressly says the threat may be made "by any means".
Punishment: IPC 503 compared with BNS 351(1)
- Under IPC Section 503
- Definition only. Punishment is in IPC Section 506.
- Under BNS Section 351(1)
- Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 351(2) and (3).
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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 503: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 503?
IPC Section 503 (Criminal intimidation) corresponds to Section 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 351(1)?
Definition only. Punishment is in BNS Section 351(2) and (3).
Does IPC Section 503 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IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.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 506 to BNS 351(2) · Criminal intimidation
- IPC 499 to BNS 356(1) · Defamation (definition)
- IPC 504 to BNS 352 · Intentional insult
Map any section inside Settl
The signed-in Section Mapper converts sections in both directions across the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act and their replacements, alongside your matter files, drafts and court diary.
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.