IPC §171 → BNS §205
Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
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Comparison
171. Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent.—Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, 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 hundred rupees, or with both. 1[CHAPTER IXA OF OFFENCESRELATING TO ELECTIONS
Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, 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 thousand rupees, or with both.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 171 (wearing garb or carrying a token resembling that used by a class of public servants, with the intention or knowledge of being believed to belong to that class) is preserved as BNS 205 with one quantitative change: the fine cap rises from ₹200 (IPC 171) to ₹5,000 (BNS 205). The actus reus, the 3-month imprisonment ceiling, and the alternative-fine-or-both punishment structure are preserved character-identically.
Old position
IPC 171 is concerned with Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent. Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
New position
BNS 205 modifies the framework. Topic: Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent. Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it
IPC 171 (wearing garb or carrying a token resembling that used by a class of public servants, with the intention or knowledge of being believed to belong to that class) is preserved as BNS 205 with one quantitative change: the fine cap rises from ₹200 (IPC 171) to ₹5,000 (BNS 205). The actus reus,...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-205 reproduces IPC-171's framework on wearing garb of public servant with fraudulent intent character-identically. Historical-amendment brackets are incorporated as plain text. Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 171 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 205 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 205 (Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent). 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 §171 → BNS §205 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/171.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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