BNS §21
Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding
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Comparison
83. Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding.—Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.
Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve years of age, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 83 and BNS 21 carry the same partial-defence rule for children 7-12 of immature understanding character-identically.
Old position
IPC 83 is concerned with Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding. Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding
New position
BNS 21 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding. Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve years of age, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion
BNS 21 (Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding) preserves the framework of IPC 83. BNS 21 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 21 text: ...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 21 (Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding) preserves the framework of IPC 83. BNS 21 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 21 text: Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve years of age, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 83 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 21 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 21 (Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §83 → BNS §21 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/bns/21.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.