IPC 77 → BNS 15: Judicial Act

Quick Summary: IPC 77 vs BNS 15

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 77 (Judicial Act) 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. Judicial Act now maps to BNS 15, and the position below reflects the current bare act.

What did IPC 77 cover?

IPC 77 dealt with judicial act — act of judge when acting judicially. 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 15: What changed in the new law?

Section number changed, principle same. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to judicial act are filed under BNS Section 15, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 15

N/A - General Exception

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For judicial act, cite the current provision BNS 15 rather than the repealed IPC 77 in all matters arising on or after 1 July 2024.
• Police officers: Register new judicial act FIRs under BNS 15; procedure follows the BNSS.
• Law students & citizens: Use the IPC 77 to BNS 15 mapping when checking your position on judicial act under the new law.