IPC Section 420 = BNS Section 318

Cheating and Dishonestly Inducing Delivery of Property

छल करना और बेईमानी से संपत्ति परिदान करने के लिए प्रेरित करना

Fraud, Cheating & Breach of Trust No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 420 of the IPC was one of the most widely known and frequently invoked sections in Indian criminal law, dealing with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Under the BNS 2023, this provision is now covered under Section 318. The punishment remains imprisonment of up to 7 years and fine.
Hindi IPC की धारा 420 भारतीय आपराधिक कानून में सबसे प्रसिद्ध और बहुधा प्रयुक्त धाराओं में से एक थी, जो छल करना और बेईमानी से संपत्ति परिदान करने से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत, यह प्रावधान अब धारा 318 में शामिल है। दण्ड 7 वर्ष तक कारावास और जुर्माना बना हुआ है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 420 Section 318
Title Cheating and Dishonestly Inducing Delivery of Property Cheating and Dishonestly Inducing Delivery of Property
Punishment Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 420 to BNS 318
  • Substantive provisions remain largely unchanged
  • BNS organizes cheating-related offences in a consolidated chapter
  • Punishment quantum remains the same

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused cheated someone (deceived with a fraudulent or dishonest intention)
  2. 2 The cheating induced the person to deliver property or valuable security
  3. 3 Or to make, alter, or destroy a valuable security or anything signed or sealed
  4. 4 The delivery or act was a direct consequence of the deception

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 420?

IPC Section 420 (Cheating) is now BNS Section 318 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Is Section 420/BNS 318 bailable?

No. Cheating under BNS Section 318 is a non-bailable offence. However, it is compoundable with the permission of the court, meaning the complainant can withdraw the case.

What is the maximum punishment for cheating under BNS?

The maximum punishment under BNS Section 318 is imprisonment of up to 7 years and fine, which is the same as under IPC Section 420.

Can a cheating case be settled out of court?

Yes. Since BNS Section 318 (formerly IPC 420) is a compoundable offence, the parties can settle the matter with the permission of the court, and the case can be withdrawn.

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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