Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 356 → BNS 134: Assault (Theft)

IPC Section 356 (Assault (Theft)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 134 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

356

Assault (Theft)

Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person

New Law — BNS 2023

134

Assault (Theft)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years

Key Change / Note

Commonly used for chain snatching attempts

Facing a case under BNS 134?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 134.

Quick Summary: IPC 356 vs BNS 134

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 356 (Assault (Theft)) is now mapped to BNS Section 134.

What did IPC 356 cover?

IPC 356 dealt with assault (theft) — assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person. 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 134: What changed in the new law?

Commonly used for chain snatching attempts. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to assault (theft) are filed under BNS Section 134. 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 134

Same - Up to 2 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 134 instead of IPC 356.
Police officers: Use BNS 134 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 356 ↔ BNS 134 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 356?

IPC Section 356 (Assault (Theft)) is now covered under Section 134 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 134?

Same - Up to 2 years

What is the key difference between IPC 356 and BNS 134?

Commonly used for chain snatching attempts

Is IPC 356 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.