Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 166A → BNS 205: Disobeying Direction

IPC Section 166A (Disobeying Direction) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 205 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

166A

Disobeying Direction

Public servant disobeying direction under law (Non-recording of FIR etc.)

New Law — BNS 2023

205

Disobeying Direction

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years

Key Change / Note

Stricter enforcement expected

Facing a case under BNS 205?

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Quick Summary: IPC 166A vs BNS 205

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 166A (Disobeying Direction) is now mapped to BNS Section 205.

What did IPC 166A cover?

IPC 166A dealt with disobeying direction — public servant disobeying direction under law (non-recording of fir etc.). 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 205: What changed in the new law?

Stricter enforcement expected. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to disobeying direction are filed under BNS Section 205. 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 205

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 205 instead of IPC 166A.
Police officers: Use BNS 205 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 166A ↔ BNS 205 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 166A?

IPC Section 166A (Disobeying Direction) is now covered under Section 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 205?

Same - Up to 2 years

What is the key difference between IPC 166A and BNS 205?

Stricter enforcement expected

Is IPC 166A 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.