IPC §140 → BNS §168
Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman
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Comparison
140. Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman.—Whoever, not being a soldier, 9[sailor or airman] in the Military, 10[Naval or Air] service of the 11[Government of India], wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by such a soldier, 9[sailor or airman] with the intention that it may be believed that he is such a soldier, 9[sailor or airman], shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. CHAPTER VIII OFOFFENCES AGAINSTTHE PUBLIC TRANQUILLITY
Whoever, not being a soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Naval or Air service of the Government of India, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by such a soldier, sailor or airman with the intention that it may be believed that he is such a soldier, sailor or airman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 140 and BNS 168 carry the wearing-garb-or-carrying-token-of-soldier-with-intent-to-deceive offence with one quantitative change: the maximum fine rises from 'five hundred rupees' (IPC 140) to 'two thousand rupees' (BNS 168). The actus reus (wearing garb or carrying a token resembling that used by a soldier, sailor or airman, with the intention that it may be believed the wearer is such), the imprisonment cap (3 months), and the punishment structure (imprisonment, fine, or both) are preserved character-identically.
Old position
IPC 140 is concerned with Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman. Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman
New position
BNS 168 modifies the framework. Topic: Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman. Whoever, not being a soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Naval or Air service of the Government of India, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by such a soldier, sailor or airman with the intention that
IPC 140 and BNS 168 carry the wearing-garb-or-carrying-token-of-soldier-with-intent-to-deceive offence with one quantitative change: the maximum fine rises from 'five hundred rupees' (IPC 140) to 'two thousand rupees' (BNS 168). The actus reus (wearing garb or carrying a token resembling that used...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 168 reproduces IPC 140's framework for the wearing-soldier-garb offence character-identically. The drafting tweak updates 'Military, Naval or Air service' (IPC 140) to 'Army, Naval or Air service' (BNS 168). Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 140 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 168 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 168 (Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman). The relationship is classified as modified — 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 §140 → BNS §168 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/140.
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.