IPC 503 → BNS 351: Criminal Intimidation

Quick Summary: IPC 503 vs BNS 351

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 503 (Criminal Intimidation) falls in the IPC's offences relating to marriage, reputation and intimidation — offences relating to marriage, cruelty by a husband or his relatives, defamation, and criminal intimidation or insult. Retained by the BNS as BNS 351, several such offences are non-cognizable or compoundable, which changes how criminal intimidation is pursued.

What did IPC 503 cover?

IPC 503 dealt with criminal intimidation — criminal intimidation. 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 351: What changed in the new law?

Cyber threats explicitly covered. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to criminal intimidation are filed under BNS Section 351, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 351

Same - Up to 2 years or fine or both

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For criminal intimidation, check cognizability and whether the offence is compoundable before advising; the substantive provision is now BNS 351, not IPC 503.
• Police officers: Confirm whether the criminal intimidation offence is cognizable before acting, and cite BNS 351 where an FIR is registered.
• Law students & citizens: Some offences in this group, including criminal intimidation, can only be pursued on the complaint of the aggrieved person — know whether yours is cognizable.