Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 418 → BNS 318(3): Cheating (Loss)

IPC Section 418 (Cheating (Loss)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 318(3) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

418

Cheating (Loss)

Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect

New Law — BNS 2023

318(3)

Cheating (Loss)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 3 years

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 318(3)?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 318(3).

Quick Summary: IPC 418 vs BNS 318(3)

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 418 (Cheating (Loss)) is now mapped to BNS Section 318(3).

What did IPC 418 cover?

IPC 418 dealt with cheating (loss) — cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect. 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 318(3): What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to cheating (loss) are filed under BNS Section 318(3). 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 318(3)

Same - Up to 3 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 318(3) instead of IPC 418.
Police officers: Use BNS 318(3) 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 418 ↔ BNS 318(3) mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 418?

IPC Section 418 (Cheating (Loss)) is now covered under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 318(3)?

Same - Up to 3 years

What is the key difference between IPC 418 and BNS 318(3)?

No major change

Is IPC 418 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.