IPC §501 → BNS §356
Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory
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Comparison
501. Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory.—Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
(1) Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes in any manner, any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person. (2) Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both, or with community service. (3) Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. (4) Whoever sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter, knowing that it contains such matter, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 501 absorbed into BNS 356(3).
Old position
IPC 501 is concerned with Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory. Printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory
New position
BNS 356 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Defamation. Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes in any manner, any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such
BNS 356 (Defamation) preserves the framework of IPC 501. BNS 356 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 356 text: Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 356 (Defamation) preserves the framework of IPC 501. BNS 356 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 356 text: Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes in any manner, any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is said, except in the cases...
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 501 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 356 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 356 (Defamation). 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 §501 → BNS §356 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/501.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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