IPC §10 → BNS §2
“Man”. “Woman”
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Comparison
10. “Man”. “Woman”.—The word “man” denotes a male human being of any age; the word “woman” denotes a female human being of any age.
In this Sanhita, unless the context otherwise requires,—
What changedAI-inferred
BNS keeps both definitions but separates them: man appears as BNS Section 2, sub-clause (19), and woman appears as BNS Section 2, sub-clause (35). The phrase male / female human being of any age is preserved. The verb is now means (BNS) rather than denotes (IPC). BNS Section 2 also consolidates many other IPC General Explanations definitions — see those mapping pages for the rest.
Old position
IPC Section 10 packed two definitions into one section: it stated that the word "man" denotes a male human being of any age; the word "woman" denotes a female human being of any age.
New position
BNS keeps both definitions but separates them: man appears as BNS Section 2, sub-clause (19), and woman appears as BNS Section 2, sub-clause (35). The phrase male / female human being of any age is preserved. The verb is now means (BNS) rather than denotes (IPC). BNS Section 2 also consolidates many other IPC General Explanations definitions — see those mapping pages for the rest.
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
IPC Section 10 contained two definitions within a single sentence: man and woman. In BNS, these appear as two separate definition entries within Section 2 — sub-clause (19) for man and sub-clause (35) for woman. The definitional content (male / female human being of any age) is preserved. The IPC formulation uses denotes, while BNS uses means.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 10 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 2 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 in their existing frame.
Frequently asked
The two definitions in IPC 10 appear as separate sub-clauses in BNS Section 2: man at BNS 2(19) and woman at BNS 2(35).
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860 (pending verification)
- Gazette Notification (Act 45 of 2023) — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §10 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/ipc/10.
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.