Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 264 → BNS 188: False Weighing Instrument

IPC Section 264 (False Weighing Instrument) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 188 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

264

False Weighing Instrument

Fraudulent use of false instrument for weighing

New Law — BNS 2023

188

False Weighing Instrument

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 1 year

Key Change / Note

Consolidated into single Weights & Measures section

Facing a case under BNS 188?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 188.

Quick Summary: IPC 264 vs BNS 188

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 264 (False Weighing Instrument) is now mapped to BNS Section 188.

What did IPC 264 cover?

IPC 264 dealt with false weighing instrument — fraudulent use of false instrument for weighing. 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 188: What changed in the new law?

Consolidated into single Weights & Measures section. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to false weighing instrument are filed under BNS Section 188. 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 188

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 188 instead of IPC 264.
Police officers: Use BNS 188 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 264 ↔ BNS 188 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 264?

IPC Section 264 (False Weighing Instrument) is now covered under Section 188 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 188?

Same - Up to 1 year

What is the key difference between IPC 264 and BNS 188?

Consolidated into single Weights & Measures section

Is IPC 264 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.