IPC 329 → BNS 119(2): Extortion (Grievous Hurt)

Quick Summary: IPC 329 vs BNS 119(2)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 329 deals with extortion (grievous hurt), 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 extortion (grievous hurt) as BNS 119(2) and, for several sexual and grievous-hurt offences, enhances the punishment.

What did IPC 329 cover?

IPC 329 dealt with extortion (grievous hurt) — voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort property, or to constrain to an illegal act. 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 119(2): What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to extortion (grievous hurt) are filed under BNS Section 119(2), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 119(2)

Same - Life or up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For extortion (grievous hurt), the grading of the offence — and therefore bail and forum — turns on intention, the degree of hurt and aggravating factors; map IPC 329 carefully to BNS 119(2).
• Police officers: Record the nature and degree of injury and the weapon or means used; a new extortion (grievous hurt) FIR is filed under BNS 119(2).
• Law students & citizens: Punishment for extortion (grievous hurt) rises sharply with the seriousness of the harm and the victim — the IPC 329 to BNS 119(2) change does not lower it.