Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 354 → BNS 74: Assault on Woman

IPC Section 354 (Assault on Woman) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 74 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

354

Assault on Woman

Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty

New Law — BNS 2023

74

Assault on Woman

Punishment / Liability

Enhanced - 1 to 5 years with fine

Key Change / Note

Stricter penalties, clearer definitions

Facing a case under BNS 74?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 74.

Quick Summary: IPC 354 vs BNS 74

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 354 (Assault on Woman) is now mapped to BNS Section 74.

What did IPC 354 cover?

IPC 354 dealt with assault on woman — assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty. 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 74: What changed in the new law?

Stricter penalties, clearer definitions. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to assault on woman are filed under BNS Section 74. 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 74

Enhanced - 1 to 5 years with fine

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 74 instead of IPC 354.
Police officers: Use BNS 74 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 354 ↔ BNS 74 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 354?

IPC Section 354 (Assault on Woman) is now covered under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 74?

Enhanced - 1 to 5 years with fine

What is the key difference between IPC 354 and BNS 74?

Stricter penalties, clearer definitions

Is IPC 354 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.