IPC §10 → BNS §2

“Man”. “Woman”

ModifiedConfidence: mediumStatus: cross checkedconsolidation context(precautionary)
View government sourcemha.gov.in(opens the Indian Penal Code, 1860 PDF on mha.gov.in in a new tab)
Last updated 2026-05-01 · Input coverage: full

Compiled by AI-assisted tools. Text verified against official sources where indicated. Field-level labels (AI-indicated / AI-inferred / Text-verified) apply per edge metadata. Verify current bail/cognizable status against official sources before relying on procedural claims. Last updated: 2026-05-02.

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Comparison

Old law
IPC §10
“Man”. “Woman”

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.

New law
BNS §2
Definitions

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).

Government source

The statutory text above is compiled from the Act as published by the Government of India. The links open the full Act; use the PDF's search to find the section number. The linked government pages offer no link to a single section.

Newlaws.in is an independent site, not a government body. The mappings and notes on this page are its own AI-assisted comparison and are not published or endorsed by any government body.

Sources

Cite this page

Newlaws.in, IPC §10 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-10-29, 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.