IPC §6 → BNS §3
Definitions in the Code to be understood subject to exceptions
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Comparison
6. Definitions in the Code to be understood subject to exceptions.—Throughout this Code every definition of an offence, every penal provision, and every illustration of every such definition or penal provision, shall be understood subject to the exceptions contained in the Chapter entitled “General Exceptions”, though those exceptions are not repeated in such definition, penal provision, or illustration. Illustrations (a) The sections, in this Code, which contain definitions of offences, do not express that a child under seven years of age cannot commit such offences; but the definitions are to be understood subject to the general exception which provides that nothing shall be an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age. (b) A, a police-officer, without warrant, apprehends Z, who has committed murder. Here A is not guilty of the offence of wrongful confinement; for he was bound by law to apprehend Z, and therefore the case falls within the general exception which provides that “nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is bound by law to do it”.
(1) Throughout this Sanhita every definition of an offence, every penal provision, and every Illustration of every such definition or penal provision, shall be understood subject to the exceptions contained in the Chapter entitled "General Exceptions", though those exceptions are not repeated in such definition, penal provision, or Illustration.
(2) Every expression which is explained in any Part of this Sanhita, is used in every Part of this Sanhita in conformity with the explanation.
(3) When property is in the possession of a person's spouse, clerk or servant, on account of that person, it is in that person's possession within the meaning of this Sanhita.
(4) In every Part of this Sanhita, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.
(5) When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.
(6) Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the act with such knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone with that knowledge or intention.
(7) Wherever the causing of a certain effect, or an attempt to cause that effect, by an act or by an omission, is an offence, it is to be understood that the causing of that effect partly by an act and partly by an omission is the same offence.
(8) When an offence is committed by means of several acts, whoever intentionally cooperates in the commission of that offence by doing any one of those acts, either singly or jointly with any other person, commits that offence.
(9) Where several persons are engaged or concerned in the commission of a criminal act, they may be guilty of different offences by means of that act.
What changedAI-inferred
This rule is carried into BNS Section 3, sub-clause (1) with the same wording. The textual changes are limited to this Sanhita in place of this Code and the capitalisation of Illustration. Both illustrations are retained in BNS 3(1). BNS Section 3 also consolidates material that appeared in IPC Sections 7, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 38 — see those mapping pages for the rest.
Old position
IPC Section 6 was an interpretive rule for the rest of the Code: every definition of an offence, every penal provision and every illustration was to be read subject to the exceptions in the chapter titled General Exceptions, even if those exceptions were not repeated in the specific definition, provision or illustration. Two illustrations followed — one about a child under seven, one about a police officer arresting without a warrant.
New position
This rule is carried into BNS Section 3, sub-clause (1) with the same wording. The textual changes are limited to this Sanhita in place of this Code and the capitalisation of Illustration. Both illustrations are retained in BNS 3(1). BNS Section 3 also consolidates material that appeared in IPC Sections 7, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 38 — see those mapping pages for the rest.
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
The interpretive rule that every offence-definition, penal provision and Illustration is subject to the General Exceptions chapter is carried into BNS 3(1) with the same wording. The textual differences are: this Sanhita in place of this Code, and the word Illustration appears capitalised. Both illustrations are retained.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 6 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 3 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 3, sub-clause (1). The interpretive rule and both illustrations carry over with only minor textual changes (the Act name and the capitalisation of Illustration).
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 §6 → BNS §3 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/6.
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.