IPC Section 374 = BNS Section 146

Unlawful Compulsory Labour

गैरकानूनी बलात्श्रम

Kidnapping, Abduction & Trafficking No Change in Punishment Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 374 of the IPC dealt with unlawful compulsory labour — forcing a person to work against their will. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 146.

Hindi IPC की धारा 374 गैरकानूनी बलात्श्रम से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 146 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 374 Section 146
Title Unlawful Compulsory Labour Unlawful Compulsory Labour
Punishment Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Any Magistrate

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 374 to BNS 146
  • Punishment remains the same
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused unlawfully compelled a person to labour
  2. 2 The compulsion was against the will of the person

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 374?

IPC Section 374 (Unlawful Compulsory Labour) is now BNS Section 146 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 374 to BNS 146?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 146: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

Is BNS Section 146 cognizable?

Yes, BNS Section 146 is a cognizable, bailable, and 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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