IPC → BNS
IPC Section 120B is now BNS Section 61
Punishment of criminal conspiracy — BNS s.61(2). The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code with effect from 1 July 2024.
Repealed
IPC Section 120B
Punishment of criminal conspiracy
Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence. Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine or with both.
Read the full IPC section →In force
BNS Section 61
Criminal conspiracy
(1) When two or more persons agree with the common object to do, or cause to be done— (a) an illegal act; or (b) an act which is not illegal by illegal means, such an agreement is designated a criminal conspiracy: Provided that no agreement except an agreement to commit an offence shall amount to a criminal conspiracy unless some act besides the agreement is done by one or more parties to such agreement in pursuance thereof. Explanation.—It is immaterial whether the illegal act is the ultimate object of such agreement, or is merely incidental to that object. (2) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy,— (a) to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Sanhita for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence; (b) other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine or with both.
Read the full BNS section →Common questions
Which BNS section replaced IPC 120B?
BNS Section 61 — Criminal conspiracy. IPC 120B dealt with punishment of criminal conspiracy; the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carries it forward under the new numbering.
Is IPC 120B still valid?
The IPC was repealed from 1 July 2024. Offences committed before that date are still tried under the IPC; anything after falls under the BNS. Both matter for exams — questions are set on the old and the new numbering.
Mapping cross-checked against both section texts and editorially reviewable. Education, not legal advice — verify critical use against the official Gazette.