Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 451 → BNS 332(c): House Trespass (Theft)

IPC Section 451 (House Trespass (Theft)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 332(c) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

451

House Trespass (Theft)

House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment

New Law — BNS 2023

332(c)

House Trespass (Theft)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years (7 if theft)

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 332(c)?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 332(c).

What changed for IPC 451?

IPC 451 (House Trespass (Theft)) — house-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment — now maps to BNS Section 332(c). Key change: No major change. Punishment under BNS 332(c): Same - Up to 2 years (7 if theft).

Quick Summary: IPC 451 vs BNS 332(c)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 451 (House Trespass (Theft)) 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 house trespass (theft) as BNS 332(c).

What did IPC 451 cover?

IPC 451 dealt with house trespass (theft) — house-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment. 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 332(c): What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to house trespass (theft) are filed under BNS Section 332(c), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 332(c)

Same - Up to 2 years (7 if theft)

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: For house trespass (theft), the dividing lines — theft versus extortion, cheating versus breach of trust — decide the charge; confirm the BNS 332(c) mapping before drafting.
Police officers: Establish dishonest intention and the manner of taking; a new house trespass (theft) FIR cites BNS 332(c).
Law students & citizens: With house trespass (theft), 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 451?

IPC Section 451 (House Trespass (Theft)) is now covered under Section 332(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 332(c)?

Same - Up to 2 years (7 if theft)

What is the key difference between IPC 451 and BNS 332(c)?

No major change

Is IPC 451 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 house trespass (theft) offence earlier in IPC 451 is now governed by BNS 332(c) — pending IPC 451 cases continue, but new FIRs cite BNS 332(c).