Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 188 → BNS 223: Disobedience to Order

IPC Section 188 (Disobedience to Order) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 223 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

188

Disobedience to Order

Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant

New Law — BNS 2023

223

Disobedience to Order

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 6 months

Key Change / Note

Commonly used for violation of prohibitory orders

Facing a case under BNS 223?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 223.

Quick Summary: IPC 188 vs BNS 223

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 188 (Disobedience to Order) is now mapped to BNS Section 223.

What did IPC 188 cover?

IPC 188 dealt with disobedience to order — disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant. 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 223: What changed in the new law?

Commonly used for violation of prohibitory orders. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to disobedience to order are filed under BNS Section 223. 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 223

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 223 instead of IPC 188.
Police officers: Use BNS 223 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 188 ↔ BNS 223 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 188?

IPC Section 188 (Disobedience to Order) is now covered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 223?

Same - Up to 6 months

What is the key difference between IPC 188 and BNS 223?

Commonly used for violation of prohibitory orders

Is IPC 188 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.