It’s Official: Indian Penal Code (IPC) Is Now BNS

In a historic move, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which has served as the foundation of India’s criminal justice system for over 150 years, has been replaced by a new code called the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The BNS was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2023, and officially came into effect on July 1, 2024, marking a great shift.

The IPC, drafted by the first Law Commission of India in 1860 during British rule, was a comprehensive code that defined criminal offences and their corresponding punishments. It has undergone numerous amendments over the years to keep pace with the changing times. However, the need for a more comprehensive and contemporary legal framework has been felt for some time.

The BNS aims to address the shortcomings of the IPC and bring the criminal justice system in line with modern societal needs, but not just name-change alone. One of the key features of the BNS is its focus on victim rights and rehabilitation, which is often seen in the USA and Hollywood movies. The code emphasises the well-being of victims and their families, ensuring that they receive adequate support and compensation.

Additionally, the BNS introduces new provisions for dealing with emerging crimes, such as cybercrime and environmental offences. The replacement of the IPC by the BNS marks a significant milestone in India’s legal history as well. From today we can call fraudsters BNS 420, not IPC 420.

Earlier, the ruling BJP (NDA) at the Centre changed India’s official name to Bharat in a similar fashion.