Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 154 → BNS 198: Owner Liability (Riot)

IPC Section 154 (Owner Liability (Riot)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 198 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

154

Owner Liability (Riot)

Owner or occupier of land on which an unlawful assembly is held

New Law — BNS 2023

198

Owner Liability (Riot)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Fine ₹1000

Key Change / Note

Fine amount may be revised in rules

Facing a case under BNS 198?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 198.

Quick Summary: IPC 154 vs BNS 198

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 154 (Owner Liability (Riot)) is now mapped to BNS Section 198.

What did IPC 154 cover?

IPC 154 dealt with owner liability (riot) — owner or occupier of land on which an unlawful assembly is held. 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 198: What changed in the new law?

Fine amount may be revised in rules. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to owner liability (riot) are filed under BNS Section 198. 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 198

Same - Fine ₹1000

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 198 instead of IPC 154.
Police officers: Use BNS 198 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 154 ↔ BNS 198 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 154?

IPC Section 154 (Owner Liability (Riot)) is now covered under Section 198 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 198?

Same - Fine ₹1000

What is the key difference between IPC 154 and BNS 198?

Fine amount may be revised in rules

Is IPC 154 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.