Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 153AA → BNS 196: Arms in Mass Drill

IPC Section 153AA (Arms in Mass Drill) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 196 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

153AA

Arms in Mass Drill

Punishment for knowingly carrying arms in any procession or organizing mass drill with arms

New Law — BNS 2023

196

Arms in Mass Drill

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 6 months

Key Change / Note

Merged into general provisions regarding promoting enmity and public order

Facing a case under BNS 196?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 196.

Quick Summary: IPC 153AA vs BNS 196

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 153AA (Arms in Mass Drill) is now mapped to BNS Section 196.

What did IPC 153AA cover?

IPC 153AA dealt with arms in mass drill — punishment for knowingly carrying arms in any procession or organizing mass drill with arms. 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 196: What changed in the new law?

Merged into general provisions regarding promoting enmity and public order. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to arms in mass drill are filed under BNS Section 196. 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 196

Same - Up to 6 months

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 196 instead of IPC 153AA.
Police officers: Use BNS 196 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 153AA ↔ BNS 196 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 153AA?

IPC Section 153AA (Arms in Mass Drill) is now covered under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 196?

Same - Up to 6 months

What is the key difference between IPC 153AA and BNS 196?

Merged into general provisions regarding promoting enmity and public order

Is IPC 153AA 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.