Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 157 → BNS 201: Harbouring Rioters

IPC Section 157 (Harbouring Rioters) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 201 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

157

Harbouring Rioters

Harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly

New Law — BNS 2023

201

Harbouring Rioters

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 6 months

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 201?

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Quick Summary: IPC 157 vs BNS 201

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 157 (Harbouring Rioters) is now mapped to BNS Section 201.

What did IPC 157 cover?

IPC 157 dealt with harbouring rioters — harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly. 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 201: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to harbouring rioters are filed under BNS Section 201. 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 201

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 201 instead of IPC 157.
Police officers: Use BNS 201 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 157 ↔ BNS 201 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 157?

IPC Section 157 (Harbouring Rioters) is now covered under Section 201 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 201?

Same - Up to 6 months

What is the key difference between IPC 157 and BNS 201?

No major change

Is IPC 157 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No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024.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.