IPC §9 → BNS §2

Number

ModifiedConfidence: mediumStatus: cross checkedconsolidation context(precautionary)
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 §9
Number

9. Number.—Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

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 (22), with the same wording. It is now formatted as a sub-clause within the definitions section, prefixed by 'number'.—. BNS Section 2 also consolidates many other IPC General Explanations definitions — see the mapping pages for the relevant IPC sections.

Old position

IPC Section 9 was a one-line interpretive rule: unless the context indicated otherwise, words in the singular were to include the plural and words in the plural were to include the singular. It applied throughout the Indian Penal Code.

New position

This rule appears in BNS Section 2, sub-clause (22), with the same wording. It is now formatted as a sub-clause within the definitions section, prefixed by 'number'.—. BNS Section 2 also consolidates many other IPC General Explanations definitions — see the mapping pages for the relevant IPC sections.

Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)

The interpretive rule on singular and plural is reproduced with the same wording in BNS 2(22). The BNS provision presents it within the definitions section, prefixed by 'number'.— and formatted as a sub-clause.

Transitional note (repeal & savings)

For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 9 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 (22). The same singular/plural interpretive rule is reproduced inside the definitions section.

Sources

Cite this page

Newlaws.in, IPC §9 → BNS §2 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/ipc/9.

Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01

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