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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).

What changed for IPC 418?

IPC 418 (Cheating (Loss)) — cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect — now maps to BNS Section 318(3). Key change: No major change. Punishment under BNS 318(3): Same - Up to 3 years.

Quick Summary: IPC 418 vs BNS 318(3)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 418 (Cheating (Loss)) is one of the IPC's offences against property — theft, extortion, robbery, dacoity, criminal breach of trust, cheating, mischief and criminal trespass. The BNS keeps this structure and adds a distinct provision for snatching, renumbering cheating (loss) as BNS 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 for this offence 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, new complaints relating to cheating (loss) are filed under BNS Section 318(3), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision 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: For cheating (loss), the dividing lines — theft versus extortion, cheating versus breach of trust — decide the charge; confirm the BNS 318(3) mapping before drafting.
Police officers: Establish dishonest intention and the manner of taking; a new cheating (loss) FIR cites BNS 318(3).
Law students & citizens: With cheating (loss), value, the manner of taking and any force used determine which property offence applies and how serious it is.

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 was repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 on 1 July 2024. The cheating (loss) offence earlier in IPC 418 is now governed by BNS 318(3) — pending IPC 418 cases continue, but new FIRs cite BNS 318(3).