IPC §43 → BNS §2

“Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”

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 §43
“Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”

43. “Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”.—The word “illegal” is applicable to everything which is an offence or which is prohibited by law, or which furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person is said to be “legally bound to do” whatever it is illegal in him to omit.

New law
BNS §2
Definitions

In this Sanhita, unless the context otherwise requires,—

What changedAI-inferred

BNS Section 2(15) preserves the IPC paired definition character-identically apart from sub-clause format.

Old position

IPC Section 43 paired two definitions: illegal covered everything that was an offence, prohibited by law, or furnished ground for a civil action; legally bound to do meant whatever it was illegal to omit.

New position

BNS Section 2(15) preserves the IPC paired definition character-identically apart from sub-clause format.

Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)

IPC Section 43 and BNS Section 2(15) carry the same paired definition: illegal covers everything that is an offence, prohibited by law, or furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person is legally bound to do whatever it is illegal in him to omit. The operative phrase is character-identical apart from sub-clause format.

Transitional note (repeal & savings)

For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 43 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 (15). The paired definition is preserved.

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 §43 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-10-29, https://newlaws.in/ipc/43.

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.