IPC §26 → BNS §2
“Reason to believe”
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Comparison
26. “Reason to believe”.—A person is said to have “reason to believe” a thing, if he has sufficient cause to believe that thing but not otherwise.
In this Sanhita, unless the context otherwise requires,—
What changedAI-inferred
BNS Section 2(29) reproduces the IPC operative clause character-identically apart from punctuation: 'reason to believe'.—A person is said to have 'reason to believe' a thing, if he has sufficient cause to believe that thing but not otherwise.
Old position
IPC Section 26 carried the test: A person is said to have 'reason to believe' a thing, if he has sufficient cause to believe that thing but not otherwise.
New position
BNS Section 2(29) reproduces the IPC operative clause character-identically apart from punctuation: 'reason to believe'.—A person is said to have 'reason to believe' a thing, if he has sufficient cause to believe that thing but not otherwise.
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
IPC Section 26 and BNS Section 2(29) carry the same operative test for reason to believe: A person is said to have 'reason to believe' a thing, if he has sufficient cause to believe that thing but not otherwise. The operative clause is textually identical apart from punctuation. Two definitions-section formatting changes only: BNS adds the sub-clause label prefix 'reason to believe'.— and shifts terminal punctuation from full stop to semicolon. No drafting reframing, no envelope shift, no extraction.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 26 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
BNS Section 2, sub-clause (29). The operative test (sufficient cause to believe, but not otherwise) is preserved character-identically.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860 (pending verification)
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — bare act PDF (Gazette of India, 25 December 2023; Act No. 45 of 2023)
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §26 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/26.
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.