IPC §8 → BNS §2

Gender

ModifiedConfidence: mediumStatus: cross checkedconsolidation context(observed)definition drift(precautionary)
Last updated 2026-05-01 · Input coverage: partial

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 §8
Gender

8. Gender.—The pronoun “he” and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female.

New law
BNS §2
Definitions

In this Sanhita, unless the context otherwise requires,—

What changedAI-inferred

This rule appears in BNS Section 2, sub-clause (10), with one substantive change: the closed set of persons referred to by the pronoun he now includes male, female or transgender. An Explanation in BNS 2(10) ties transgender to clause (k) of section 2 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. There is no comparable Explanation in IPC 8.

Old position

IPC Section 8 was a one-line drafting rule: throughout the Indian Penal Code, the pronoun he and its derivatives applied to any person, whether male or female. The pronoun was used as a gender-neutral form, but the closed set of persons it referred to was male and female only.

New position

This rule appears in BNS Section 2, sub-clause (10), with one substantive change: the closed set of persons referred to by the pronoun he now includes male, female or transgender. An Explanation in BNS 2(10) ties transgender to clause (k) of section 2 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. There is no comparable Explanation in IPC 8.

Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)

IPC 8's one-line definition of 'gender' (the pronoun 'he' and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female) is consolidated into BNS 2's structured definitions framework. The specific BNS 2 sub-clause carrying the 'gender' definition is in unseen portions of the BNS 2 extract; whether the new code carries forward the binary 'male or female' formulation or expands it is not text-confirmed.

Transitional note (repeal & savings)

For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 8 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 (10).

Sources

Cite this page

Newlaws.in, IPC §8 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/ipc/8.

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.