IPC 229 → BNS 268: Personation of Juror

Quick Summary: IPC 229 vs BNS 268

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 229 addresses personation of juror, 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 personation of juror is now prosecuted as BNS 268, protecting the integrity of investigations and trials in its own right.

What did IPC 229 cover?

IPC 229 dealt with personation of juror — personation of a juror or assessor. 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 268: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to personation of juror are filed under BNS Section 268, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 268

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: In a personation of juror matter, intention and the materiality of the false statement are decisive; ensure the complaint cites BNS 268 and meets the pre-conditions for prosecuting court-related offences.
• Police officers: Document the false statement or fabricated evidence precisely — the personation of juror offence is now BNS 268.
• Law students & citizens: Lying on oath, forging evidence or helping an offender escape — the conduct behind personation of juror — is punishable separately from the main case.