IPC Section 306 = BNS Section 108

Abetment of Suicide

आत्महत्या का दुष्प्रेरण

Offences Against the Body No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 306 of the IPC dealt with abetment of suicide — if any person commits suicide, whoever abets such suicide shall be punished. Under the BNS 2023, this is now Section 108. The punishment remains imprisonment up to 10 years and fine.
Hindi IPC की धारा 306 आत्महत्या के दुष्प्रेरण से संबंधित थी — यदि कोई व्यक्ति आत्महत्या करता है, तो जो कोई ऐसी आत्महत्या का दुष्प्रेरण करेगा वह दण्डित किया जाएगा। BNS 2023 के तहत, यह अब धारा 108 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 306 Section 108
Title Abetment of Suicide Abetment of Suicide
Punishment Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Court of Session

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 306 to BNS 108
  • Punishment remains the same — up to 10 years and fine
  • No significant changes in the elements of the offence

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 A person committed suicide
  2. 2 The accused abetted the commission of such suicide
  3. 3 Abetment can be by instigation, conspiracy, or intentional aid
  4. 4 There must be a direct nexus between the abetment and the suicide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 306?

IPC Section 306 (Abetment of Suicide) is now BNS Section 108 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

What is required to prove abetment of suicide?

The prosecution must prove that the accused instigated, conspired, or intentionally aided the suicide. A mere allegation of harassment is not sufficient; there must be a clear and direct link between the accused's actions and the suicide.

Is abetment of suicide bailable?

No. BNS Section 108 (formerly IPC 306) is a non-bailable and non-compoundable offence triable by the Court of Session.

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.

Need Help With Your Legal Matter?

Search court cases, track case status, or get in touch with us for assistance.