Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 121 → BNS 147: Waging War

IPC Section 121 (Waging War) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 147 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

121

Waging War

Waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India

New Law — BNS 2023

147

Waging War

Punishment / Liability

Same - Death or Life Imprisonment

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 147?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 147.

Quick Summary: IPC 121 vs BNS 147

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 121 (Waging War) is now mapped to BNS Section 147.

What did IPC 121 cover?

IPC 121 dealt with waging war — waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the government of india. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 147: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to waging war are filed under BNS Section 147. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 147

Same - Death or Life Imprisonment

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 147 instead of IPC 121.
Police officers: Use BNS 147 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 121 ↔ BNS 147 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 121?

IPC Section 121 (Waging War) is now covered under Section 147 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 147?

Same - Death or Life Imprisonment

What is the key difference between IPC 121 and BNS 147?

No major change

Is IPC 121 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.