Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 158 → BNS 202: Hired for Riot

IPC Section 158 (Hired for Riot) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 202 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

158

Hired for Riot

Being hired to take part in an unlawful assembly or riot

New Law — BNS 2023

202

Hired for Riot

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 6 months

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 202?

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Quick Summary: IPC 158 vs BNS 202

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 158 (Hired for Riot) is now mapped to BNS Section 202.

What did IPC 158 cover?

IPC 158 dealt with hired for riot — being hired to take part in an unlawful assembly or riot. 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 202: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to hired for riot are filed under BNS Section 202. 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 202

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 202 instead of IPC 158.
Police officers: Use BNS 202 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 158 ↔ BNS 202 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 158?

IPC Section 158 (Hired for Riot) is now covered under Section 202 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 202?

Same - Up to 6 months

What is the key difference between IPC 158 and BNS 202?

No major change

Is IPC 158 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No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024.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.