Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 331 → BNS 122: Grievous Hurt (Confession)

IPC Section 331 (Grievous Hurt (Confession)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 122 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

331

Grievous Hurt (Confession)

Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property

New Law — BNS 2023

122

Grievous Hurt (Confession)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 10 years

Key Change / Note

Targeted at custodial violence

Facing a case under BNS 122?

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Quick Summary: IPC 331 vs BNS 122

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 331 (Grievous Hurt (Confession)) is now mapped to BNS Section 122.

What did IPC 331 cover?

IPC 331 dealt with grievous hurt (confession) — voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property. 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 122: What changed in the new law?

Targeted at custodial violence. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to grievous hurt (confession) are filed under BNS Section 122. 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 122

Same - Up to 10 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 122 instead of IPC 331.
Police officers: Use BNS 122 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 331 ↔ BNS 122 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 331?

IPC Section 331 (Grievous Hurt (Confession)) is now covered under Section 122 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 122?

Same - Up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 331 and BNS 122?

Targeted at custodial violence

Is IPC 331 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.