Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 366 → BNS 96: Kidnapping (Marriage)

IPC Section 366 (Kidnapping (Marriage)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 96 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

366

Kidnapping (Marriage)

Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.

New Law — BNS 2023

96

Kidnapping (Marriage)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 10 years

Key Change / Note

Moved to Chapter on Offences against Women

Facing a case under BNS 96?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 96.

Quick Summary: IPC 366 vs BNS 96

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 366 (Kidnapping (Marriage)) is now mapped to BNS Section 96.

What did IPC 366 cover?

IPC 366 dealt with kidnapping (marriage) — kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.. 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 96: What changed in the new law?

Moved to Chapter on Offences against Women. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to kidnapping (marriage) are filed under BNS Section 96. 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 96

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 96 instead of IPC 366.
Police officers: Use BNS 96 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 366 ↔ BNS 96 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 366?

IPC Section 366 (Kidnapping (Marriage)) is now covered under Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 96?

Same - Up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 366 and BNS 96?

Moved to Chapter on Offences against Women

Is IPC 366 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.