IPC 160 vs BNS 160
● Retained in BNSPunishment for committing affray
Section 160 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of affray. Affray occurs when two or more persons fight in a public place, thereby disturbing public peace.
Key points of IPC 160:
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Affray = fighting in a public place that disturbs tranquility.
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Involves two or more persons actively engaging in the fight.
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Place must be public (e.g., street, marketplace, park).
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹100, or both.
For example, if two individuals engage in a street fight causing disturbance to bystanders or disrupting peace, they are guilty of affray under IPC 160.
This provision ensures that public spaces remain peaceful and safe, deterring individuals from engaging in physical fights in public areas.
Punishment for committing affray
Section 160 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, also defines affray in the same manner as IPC 160. It penalizes fighting in public that disturbs public peace.
Key points of BNS 160:
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Requires two or more persons fighting in a public area.
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Disturbance must amount to public disorder or breach of peace.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹100, or both.
For instance, a group fight breaking out in a bus stand or marketplace, creating panic and disorder, will fall under BNS 160.
This law ensures public tranquility is preserved, discouraging physical conflicts in public and safeguarding citizens’ right to peaceful surroundings.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 160 to BNS BNS 160.