● Retained in BNS
Section 351 defines assault -- a gesture or preparation intended or known to be likely to make someone apprehend imminent criminal force. BNS Section 130 reproduces the definition unchanged; the punishment sits in the companion section (352, now BNS 131).
Section 351 IPC defined assault as making any gesture or preparation intending, or knowing it likely, that it will cause a person present to apprehend that criminal force is about to be used against them. Mere words do not amount to assault, though words can give meaning to a gesture or preparation that does.
BNS Section 130 reproduces the definition, Explanation, and all three illustrations verbatim -- no substantive change.
Unchanged in substance. Pure renumbering from IPC 351 to BNS 130.
This is a definitional provision; the punishment and its associated defences sit under the companion punishment section, IPC 352 / BNS 131.
Summaries are for general information and are not legal advice. For the authoritative bare-act text, see the official Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Indian Penal Code, 1860 (full amended text, as it stood before repeal) on India Code, or the Ministry of Home Affairs' new criminal laws page. ← All comparisons