IPC 152 → BNS 195: Assaulting Public Servant (Riot)

Quick Summary: IPC 152 vs BNS 195

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 152 deals with assaulting public servant (riot), one of the IPC's offences against the public tranquillity — unlawful assembly, rioting and affray that turn on the number of persons and the common object of the group. The BNS carries assaulting public servant (riot) forward as BNS 195 with the same core ingredients, renumbering the provision and tightening the definitions around mob action.

What did IPC 152 cover?

IPC 152 dealt with assaulting public servant (riot) — assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc.. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 195: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to assaulting public servant (riot) are filed under BNS Section 195, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 195

Same - Up to 3 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For assaulting public servant (riot), membership of an unlawful assembly and the common-object rule are the usual battlegrounds — map each accused to BNS 195 rather than the repealed IPC 152.
• Police officers: Establish the assembly's strength and shared common object on record; a new assaulting public servant (riot) FIR is registered under BNS 195.
• Law students & citizens: With assaulting public servant (riot), being part of a crowd that turns violent can attract liability even without a personal act — this group is about collective conduct.