IPC Section 506 = BNS Section 351

Criminal Intimidation

आपराधिक धमकी

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

Overview

Section 506 of the IPC dealt with criminal intimidation — threatening a person with injury to their person, reputation, or property with the intent to cause alarm. Under the BNS 2023, this is now covered under Section 351. The punishment framework remains the same with two tiers.
Hindi IPC की धारा 506 आपराधिक धमकी से संबंधित थी — किसी व्यक्ति को उसके शरीर, प्रतिष्ठा या संपत्ति को हानि पहुंचाने की धमकी देना। BNS 2023 के तहत, यह अब धारा 351 में शामिल है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 506 Section 351
Title Criminal Intimidation Criminal Intimidation
Punishment Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both; if threat of death/grievous hurt — up to 7 years Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both; if threat of death/grievous hurt — up to 7 years
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable Yes — Can be settled between parties
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 506 to BNS 351
  • Two-tier punishment structure retained
  • No substantial changes in the definition or scope of the offence

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused threatened another person
  2. 2 The threat was of injury to person, reputation, or property
  3. 3 The intent was to cause alarm or to compel the person to do or omit an act

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 506?

IPC Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation) is now BNS Section 351 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Is criminal intimidation bailable under BNS?

The basic offence under BNS Section 351(1) is bailable. However, if the threat involves death or grievous hurt, the aggravated form under BNS 351(2) may be treated differently.

What is the punishment for criminal intimidation?

Under BNS Section 351, the basic offence is punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both. If the threat is of death or grievous hurt, imprisonment extends up to 7 years, or fine, or both.

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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