IPC §339 → BNS §126
Wrongful restraint
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Comparison
339. Wrongful restraint.—Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person. Exception.—The obstruction of a private way over land or water which a person in good faith believes himself to have a lawful right to obstruct, is not an offence within the meaning of this section. Illustration A obstructs a path along which Z has a right to pass, A not believing in good faith that he has a right to stop the path. Z is thereby prevented from passing. A wrongfully restrains Z.
(1) Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person.
(2) Whoever wrongfully restrains any person 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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 339 preserved as BNS 126(1).
Old position
IPC 339 is concerned with Wrongful restraint. Wrongful restraint
New position
BNS 126 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Wrongful restraint. Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person
BNS 126 (Wrongful restraint) preserves the framework of IPC 339. BNS 126 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 126 text: Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 126 (Wrongful restraint) preserves the framework of IPC 339. BNS 126 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 126 text: Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person.(2) Whoever wrongfully restrains any person shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month,...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 339 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 126 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 126 (Wrongful restraint). 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 §339 → BNS §126 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/339.
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.