IPC §363 → BNS §137
Punishment for kidnapping
Jump to section
Comparison
363. Punishment for kidnapping.—Whoever kidnaps any person from 1[India] or from lawful guardianship, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(1) Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from lawful guardianship—
(a) whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of India without the consent of that person, or of some person legally authorised to consent on behalf of that person, is said to kidnap that person from India;
(b) whoever takes or entices any child or any person of unsound mind, out of the keeping of the lawful guardian of such child or person of unsound mind, without the consent of such guardian, is said to kidnap such child or person from lawful guardianship.
(2) Whoever kidnaps any person from India or from lawful guardianship shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 363 preserved as BNS 137(2).
Old position
IPC 363 is concerned with Punishment for kidnapping. Punishment for kidnapping
New position
BNS 137 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Kidnapping. Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from lawful guardianship
BNS 137 (Kidnapping) preserves the framework of IPC 363. BNS 137 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 137 text: Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 137 (Kidnapping) preserves the framework of IPC 363. BNS 137 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 137 text: Kidnapping is of two kinds: kidnapping from India, and kidnapping from lawful guardianship—(a) whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of India without the consent of that person, or of some person legally authorised to consent on behalf of that person, is said to kidnap that person from India;(b) whoever takes...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 363 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 137 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 137 (Kidnapping). 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 §363 → BNS §137 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/363.
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.