IPC 448 → BNS 329(4): Punishment House Trespass

Quick Summary: IPC 448 vs BNS 329(4)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 448 (Punishment House Trespass) 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 punishment house trespass as BNS 329(4).

What did IPC 448 cover?

IPC 448 dealt with punishment house trespass — punishment for house-trespass. 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 329(4): What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to punishment house trespass are filed under BNS Section 329(4), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 329(4)

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For punishment house trespass, the dividing lines — theft versus extortion, cheating versus breach of trust — decide the charge; confirm the BNS 329(4) mapping before drafting.
• Police officers: Establish dishonest intention and the manner of taking; a new punishment house trespass FIR cites BNS 329(4).
• Law students & citizens: With punishment house trespass, value, the manner of taking and any force used determine which property offence applies and how serious it is.