IPC 215 → BNS 252: Gift to Recover Property

Quick Summary: IPC 215 vs BNS 252

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 215 addresses gift to recover property, part of the IPC's offences against public justice — false evidence, fabrication, screening offenders and similar interference with the justice process. These are carried into the BNS with the same structure, and gift to recover property is now prosecuted as BNS 252, protecting the integrity of investigations and trials in its own right.

What did IPC 215 cover?

IPC 215 dealt with gift to recover property — taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc.. 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 252: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to gift to recover property are filed under BNS Section 252, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 252

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: In a gift to recover property matter, intention and the materiality of the false statement are decisive; ensure the complaint cites BNS 252 and meets the pre-conditions for prosecuting court-related offences.
• Police officers: Document the false statement or fabricated evidence precisely — the gift to recover property offence is now BNS 252.
• Law students & citizens: Lying on oath, forging evidence or helping an offender escape — the conduct behind gift to recover property — is punishable separately from the main case.