BNS §324
Mischief
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Comparison
440. Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt.—Whoever commits mischief, having made preparation for causing to any person death, or hurt, or wrongful restraint, or fear of death, or of hurt, or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine. Of Criminal Trespass
(1) Whoever with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to the public or to any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change in any property or in the situation thereof as destroys or diminishes its value or utility, or affects it injuriously, commits mischief.
(2) Whoever commits mischief shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
(3) Whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to any property including the property of Government or Local Authority shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
(4) Whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of twenty thousand rupees and more but less than one lakh rupees shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
(5) Whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of one lakh rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.
(6) Whoever commits mischief, having made preparation for causing to any person death, or hurt, or wrongful restraint, or fear of death, or of hurt, or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 440 absorbed into BNS 324(6).
Old position
IPC 440 is concerned with Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt. Of Criminal Trespass. Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt
New position
BNS 324 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Mischief. Whoever with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to the public or to any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change in any property or in the situation thereof as destroys
BNS 324 (Mischief) preserves the framework of IPC 440. BNS 324 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 324 text: Whoever with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause,...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 324 (Mischief) preserves the framework of IPC 440. BNS 324 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 324 text: Whoever with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to the public or to any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change in any property or in the situation thereof as destroys or diminishes its value or utility, or affects it injuriously, commits...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 440 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 324 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 324 (Mischief). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §440 → BNS §324 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/bns/324.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.