Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 27 → BNS 3(3): Property in Possession

IPC Section 27 (Property in Possession) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 3(3) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

27

Property in Possession

Property in possession of wife, clerk or servant

New Law — BNS 2023

3(3)

Property in Possession

Punishment / Liability

N/A - Liability Principle

Key Change / Note

Included as Explanation to 'Movable Property'

Facing a case under BNS 3(3)?

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What changed for IPC 27?

IPC 27 (Property in Possession) — property in possession of wife, clerk or servant — now maps to BNS Section 3(3). Key change: Included as Explanation to 'Movable Property'. Punishment under BNS 3(3): N/A - Liability Principle.

Quick Summary: IPC 27 vs BNS 3(3)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 27 (Property in Possession) is among the offences re-enacted by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which reorganises and renumbers the old Indian Penal Code while keeping the core ingredients intact. Property in Possession now maps to BNS 3(3), and the position below reflects the current bare act.

What did IPC 27 cover?

IPC 27 dealt with property in possession — property in possession of wife, clerk or servant. 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 3(3): What changed in the new law?

Included as Explanation to 'Movable Property'. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to property in possession are filed under BNS Section 3(3), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 3(3)

N/A - Liability Principle

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: For property in possession, cite the current provision BNS 3(3) rather than the repealed IPC 27 in all matters arising on or after 1 July 2024.
Police officers: Register new property in possession FIRs under BNS 3(3); procedure follows the BNSS.
Law students & citizens: Use the IPC 27 to BNS 3(3) mapping when checking your position on property in possession under the new law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 27?

IPC Section 27 (Property in Possession) is now covered under Section 3(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 3(3)?

N/A - Liability Principle

What is the key difference between IPC 27 and BNS 3(3)?

Included as Explanation to 'Movable Property'

Is IPC 27 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 property in possession offence earlier in IPC 27 is now governed by BNS 3(3) — pending IPC 27 cases continue, but new FIRs cite BNS 3(3).