Section 162 IPC still defines a punishable offence today.

It was repealed in 1988; any related offence is now governed by the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Repealed sections mean the conduct they covered is now legal.

The conduct (bribery of public servants) remains illegal — it's just prosecuted under a different, newer law.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 162

repealed

Rep. by the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Repealed by the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (49 of 1988), S. 31.§

Why this exists

Before 1988, several sections of the Indian Penal Code (like 161, 162, 163, 164, 165) dealt with bribery and corruption by public servants. Parliament decided to consolidate and modernize anti-corruption law into a single dedicated statute — the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 — to make enforcement more effective and comprehensive. As part of this reform, older overlapping IPC sections including Section 162 were repealed.

Common misconceptions

Myth: Section 162 IPC still defines a punishable offence today.
Fact: It was repealed in 1988; any related offence is now governed by the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Myth: Repealed sections mean the conduct they covered is now legal.
Fact: The conduct (bribery of public servants) remains illegal — it's just prosecuted under a different, newer law.