IPC Section 212 = BNS Section 249

Harbouring Offender

अपराधी को संश्रय देना

False Evidence & Offences by Public Servants No Change in Punishment Non-Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 212 of the IPC dealt with harbouring an offender who has committed a non-bailable offence. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 249.
Hindi IPC की धारा 212 अपराधी को संश्रय देने से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 249 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 212 Section 249
Title Harbouring Offender Harbouring Offender
Punishment If offence punishable with death — up to 5 years and fine; if life — up to 3 years and fine; otherwise proportionate If offence punishable with death — up to 5 years and fine; if life — up to 3 years and fine; otherwise proportionate
Cognizable No — Warrant required for arrest
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 212 to BNS 249
  • Punishment structure remains the same
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused harboured or concealed a person
  2. 2 The accused knew the person had committed an offence
  3. 3 The intent was to screen the offender from legal punishment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 212?

IPC Section 212 (Harbouring Offender) is now BNS Section 249 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 212 to BNS 249?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 249: If offence punishable with death — up to 5 years and fine; if life — up to 3 years and fine; otherwise proportionate.

Is BNS Section 249 cognizable?

No, BNS Section 249 is a non-cognizable, bailable, and non-compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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