Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 495 → BNS 83: Bigamy (Concealment)

IPC Section 495 (Bigamy (Concealment)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 83 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

495

Bigamy (Concealment)

Same offence with concealment of former marriage from person with whom subsequent marriage is contracted

New Law — BNS 2023

83

Bigamy (Concealment)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 10 years

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 83?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 83.

Quick Summary: IPC 495 vs BNS 83

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 495 (Bigamy (Concealment)) is now mapped to BNS Section 83.

What did IPC 495 cover?

IPC 495 dealt with bigamy (concealment) — same offence with concealment of former marriage from person with whom subsequent marriage is contracted. 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 83: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to bigamy (concealment) are filed under BNS Section 83. 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 83

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 83 instead of IPC 495.
Police officers: Use BNS 83 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 495 ↔ BNS 83 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 495?

IPC Section 495 (Bigamy (Concealment)) is now covered under Section 83 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 83?

Same - Up to 10 years

What is the key difference between IPC 495 and BNS 83?

No major change

Is IPC 495 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.