IPC 178 vs BNS 178
● Retained in BNSWearing garb or carrying token to symbolize public servant
Section 178 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of wearing a uniform or carrying a token to symbolize a public servant without authorization. This provision prevents impersonation and ensures that public authority symbols are not misused.
Key points of IPC 178:
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Applies when a person fraudulently wears a uniform or carries an official token to represent themselves as a public servant.
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Covers acts intended to deceive, intimidate, or gain advantage.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
For example, wearing a police uniform or carrying an official badge to extort money from someone falls under IPC 178.
This section safeguards public trust and security, preventing misuse of official symbols and uniforms.
Wearing garb or carrying token to symbolize public servant
Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 178. It penalizes persons who wear official uniforms or carry tokens representing public servants without authority, ensuring integrity and trust in public institutions.
Key points of BNS 178:
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Covers uniforms, badges, insignia, or any token symbolizing public service.
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Punishment: up to 6 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.
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Ensures that unauthorized persons cannot impersonate officials to deceive or intimidate others.
For instance, a person carrying a municipal officer’s badge to gain unlawful entry or influence decisions can be prosecuted under BNS 178.
This provision strengthens public confidence in authority symbols, deterring misuse by impostors.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 178 to BNS BNS 178.