With the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) now replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), criminal drafting has entered a transition phase where small mistakes create big problems. Most drafting errors under BNS do not arise from misunderstanding offences—but from failing to convert IPC sections properly.
That is why every criminal draft in 2024 should begin with one step:
👉 IPC to BNS conversion.
This article provides a simple, court-safe drafting checklist that helps you ensure BNS compliance before you file, argue, or submit anything.
Why a BNS drafting checklist is necessary
Criminal lawyers are currently dealing with:
old FIRs and charge sheets under IPC
ongoing trials started years ago
fresh applications being filed today
Courts are patient with the transition—but they expect effort, clarity, and accuracy. A checklist ensures that:
no outdated IPC reference slips in
your draft reflects current law
your credibility stays intact
Step 1: Identify all IPC references in the draft
Before editing anything, scan the entire document for:
section headings
body paragraphs
prayer clauses
footnotes or annexures
Make a list of every IPC section mentioned.
❗ Do not replace blindly. Identification comes first.
Step 2: Convert IPC sections to corresponding BNS sections
IPC to BNS conversion is not simple renumbering. Some provisions are:
reorganised
combined
split
slightly reworded
This makes memory-based conversion unreliable.
✅ Use an IPC to BNS conversion tool to:
find the correct BNS section
avoid guesswork
save time
This step alone eliminates most drafting errors.
Step 3: Decide the correct citation style (single or dual)
Use dual citation in:
ongoing cases
appeals and revisions
matters relying on old IPC judgments
Recommended format:
“Section ___ of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section ___ of the Indian Penal Code, 1860).”
Use BNS-only citation in:
fresh FIRs
new complaints
post-BNS charge sheets
Choosing the correct style avoids confusion during hearings.
Step 4: Check offence ingredients under BNS
After conversion, quickly verify:
whether ingredients remain the same
whether scope has changed
whether explanations or illustrations differ
This is crucial for:
bail arguments
discharge applications
conviction challenges
Never assume the offence is identical just because it looks familiar.
Step 5: Verify punishment provisions
Punishment drives:
bail strategy
sentencing arguments
compounding possibilities
After IPC to BNS conversion:
confirm maximum punishment
check minimum sentences, if any
verify fine and imprisonment structure
Wrong punishment citation is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility.
Step 6: Update drafting templates and prayers
Many errors hide in:
standard bail formats
prayer clauses
concluding paragraphs
Checklist for this step:
❌ no “IPC” left unintentionally
❌ no mixed IPC–BNS language
✅ procedural references align with BNSS
✅ offence references align with BNS
This step prevents filing-counter objections.
Step 7: Align oral arguments with BNS numbering
Judges may ask:
“What is the section under BNS?”
“What punishment does BNS prescribe?”
Before hearing:
note IPC → BNS mapping on your case file
prepare to speak in BNS language
keep IPC reference ready only for context
Confidence in section numbers matters more than memorisation.
Step 8: Re-check ongoing cases separately
For ongoing matters:
do NOT alter FIR or past orders
do NOT rewrite history
Instead:
update new applications only
use dual citation
maintain continuity
Courts appreciate clarity, not overcorrection.
Step 9: Final pre-filing BNS compliance check
Before filing, ask yourself:
❓ Is every offence cited under BNS?
❓ Are IPC references explained, not assumed?
❓ Is punishment cited from current law?
❓ Is the draft consistent from start to finish?
If the answer is “yes”, your draft is court-ready.
Common BNS drafting mistakes this checklist avoids
❌ citing repealed IPC sections
❌ guessing BNS section numbers
❌ mixing IPC and BNS inconsistently
❌ wrong punishment references
❌ embarrassing corrections during arguments
Most of these mistakes are avoidable with a checklist.
Who should use this checklist
criminal trial lawyers
appellate practitioners
prosecutors
defence counsel
junior advocates
interns and law students
In 2024, BNS drafting accuracy is a professional baseline.
The new drafting mindset
Do not think:
“I must forget IPC.”
Think instead:
“I must translate IPC correctly into BNS.”
Your legal understanding remains valid—your citations must evolve.
Final takeaway
Every strong criminal draft today begins with IPC to BNS conversion. Not as an afterthought—but as the first step.
If you follow this checklist:
your drafts stay compliant
your arguments stay confident.Feel free to refer to our IPC to BNS Converter
your court presence stays credible
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