IPC 305 → BNS 107: Abetment Suicide (Child)

Quick Summary: IPC 305 vs BNS 107

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 305 deals with abetment suicide (child), part of the IPC's offences affecting the human body — homicide, hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal force, kidnapping and sexual offences, the largest group in the code. The BNS renumbers abetment suicide (child) as BNS 107 and, for several sexual and grievous-hurt offences, enhances the punishment.

What did IPC 305 cover?

IPC 305 dealt with abetment suicide (child) — abetment of suicide of child or insane person. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 107: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to abetment suicide (child) are filed under BNS Section 107, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 107

Same - Death or Life or up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For abetment suicide (child), the grading of the offence — and therefore bail and forum — turns on intention, the degree of hurt and aggravating factors; map IPC 305 carefully to BNS 107.
• Police officers: Record the nature and degree of injury and the weapon or means used; a new abetment suicide (child) FIR is filed under BNS 107.
• Law students & citizens: Punishment for abetment suicide (child) rises sharply with the seriousness of the harm and the victim — the IPC 305 to BNS 107 change does not lower it.