Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 122 → BNS 149: Collecting Arms

IPC Section 122 (Collecting Arms) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 149 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

122

Collecting Arms

Collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging war against the Government of India

New Law — BNS 2023

149

Collecting Arms

Punishment / Liability

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 149?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 149.

Quick Summary: IPC 122 vs BNS 149

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 122 (Collecting Arms) is now mapped to BNS Section 149.

What did IPC 122 cover?

IPC 122 dealt with collecting arms — collecting arms, etc., with intention of waging 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 149: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to collecting arms are filed under BNS Section 149. 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 149

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 149 instead of IPC 122.
Police officers: Use BNS 149 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 122 ↔ BNS 149 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 122?

IPC Section 122 (Collecting Arms) is now covered under Section 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 149?

Same - Life or up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 122 and BNS 149?

No major change

Is IPC 122 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No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024.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.