Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 211 → BNS 248: False Charge

IPC Section 211 (False Charge) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 248 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

211

False Charge

False charge of offence made with intent to injure

New Law — BNS 2023

248

False Charge

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years (or 7 if capital offence)

Key Change / Note

Strictly deals with malicious prosecution

Facing a case under BNS 248?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 248.

Quick Summary: IPC 211 vs BNS 248

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 211 (False Charge) is now mapped to BNS Section 248.

What did IPC 211 cover?

IPC 211 dealt with false charge — false charge of offence made with intent to injure. 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 248: What changed in the new law?

Strictly deals with malicious prosecution. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to false charge are filed under BNS Section 248. 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 248

Same - Up to 2 years (or 7 if capital offence)

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 248 instead of IPC 211.
Police officers: Use BNS 248 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 211 ↔ BNS 248 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 211?

IPC Section 211 (False Charge) is now covered under Section 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 248?

Same - Up to 2 years (or 7 if capital offence)

What is the key difference between IPC 211 and BNS 248?

Strictly deals with malicious prosecution

Is IPC 211 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.