Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 137 → BNS 165: Deserter on Ship

IPC Section 137 (Deserter on Ship) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 165 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

137

Deserter on Ship

Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master

New Law — BNS 2023

165

Deserter on Ship

Punishment / Liability

Same - Penalty up to ₹500

Key Change / Note

Fine amount may be adjusted in rules

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Quick Summary: IPC 137 vs BNS 165

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 137 (Deserter on Ship) is now mapped to BNS Section 165.

What did IPC 137 cover?

IPC 137 dealt with deserter on ship — deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master. 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 165: What changed in the new law?

Fine amount may be adjusted in rules. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to deserter on ship are filed under BNS Section 165. 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 165

Same - Penalty up to ₹500

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 165 instead of IPC 137.
Police officers: Use BNS 165 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 137 ↔ BNS 165 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 137?

IPC Section 137 (Deserter on Ship) is now covered under Section 165 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 165?

Same - Penalty up to ₹500

What is the key difference between IPC 137 and BNS 165?

Fine amount may be adjusted in rules

Is IPC 137 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No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024.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.