IPC §172 → BNS §206
Absconding to avoid service of summons of other proceeding
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Comparison
172. Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding.—Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons, notice or order proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both; or, if the summons or notice or order is to attend in person or by agent, or to 2[produce a document or an electronic record in a Court of Justice], with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons, notice or order proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order,—
(a) shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both;
(b) where such summons or notice or order is to attend in person or by agent, or to produce a document or an electronic record in a Court shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 172 (absconding to avoid service of summons, notice or order from public servant) is preserved as BNS 206 with three textual deltas: (1) sub-clause (a) fine cap rises ₹500 → ₹5,000 (10x); (2) sub-clause (b) fine cap rises ₹1,000 → ₹10,000 (10x); (3) sub-clause (b) adds 'or an electronic record' alongside 'document' as a production-summons artifact. Imprisonment ceilings (1 month basic, 6 months for court-summons) are preserved character-identically.
Old position
IPC 172 is concerned with Absconding to avoid service of summons of other proceeding. Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
New position
BNS 206 modifies the framework. Topic: Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding. Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons, notice or order proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order,
IPC 172 (absconding to avoid service of summons, notice or order from public servant) is preserved as BNS 206 with three textual deltas: (1) sub-clause (a) fine cap rises ₹500 → ₹5,000 (10x); (2) sub-clause (b) fine cap rises ₹1,000 → ₹10,000 (10x); (3) sub-clause (b) adds 'or an electronic record'...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-206 reproduces the operative content of IPC-172 on absconding to avoid service of summons but reorganises the punishment-or-condition layer into a structured (a)/(b) sub-clause format. Punishment is split into (a) base offence and (b) court-issued summons (higher penalty) sub-clauses. Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 172 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 206 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 206 (Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding). 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 §172 → BNS §206 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/ipc/172.
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.