IPC 112→BNS 52

IPC 112 to BNS 52: Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done

Section 112 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 52 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 112 →View BNS Section 52 →

IPC 112 to BNS 52 at a Glance

Section 112 IPC (Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done) is now Section 52 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Only the section number changed.

What Changed From IPC 112 to BNS 52?

Section 112 IPC is replaced by Section 52 BNS. The substantive rule and the statutory illustration are retained without change in legal effect. The cross-reference to the last preceding section in the Indian Penal Code is updated to section 51 in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

IPC 112 vs BNS 52: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section11252
OffenceAbettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act doneSame
PunishmentNone of its own. The abettor is liable to the punishment provided for each offence, the one abetted and the distinct offence committed in addition to it.Same
FineNone of its own. Any fine is the fine provided for each of those offences.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 112 and BNS 52: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 112, IPC 1860

112. Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done.—If the act for which the abettor is liable under the last preceding section is committed in addition to the act abetted, and constitute a distinct offence, the abettor is liable to punishment for each of the offences. Illustration A instigates B to resist by force a distress made by a public servant. B, in consequence, resists that distress. In offering the resistance, B voluntarily causes grievous hurt to the officer executing the distress. As B has committed both the offence of resisting the distress, and the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, B is liable to punishment for both these offences; and, if A knew that B was likely voluntarily to cause grievous hurt in resisting the distress A will also be liable to punishment for each of the offences.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 52, BNS 2023

If the act for which the abettor is liable under section 51 is committed in addition to the act abetted, and constitute a distinct offence, the abettor is liable to punishment for each of the offences. Illustration. A instigates B to resist by force a distress made by a public servant. B, in consequence, resists that distress. In offering the resistance, B voluntarily causes grievous hurt to the officer executing the distress. As B has committed both the offence of resisting the distress, and the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, B is liable to punishment for both these offences; and, if A knew that B was likely voluntarily to cause grievous hurt in resisting the distress, A will also be liable to punishment for each of the offences.

Ingredients: IPC 112 vs BNS 52

Under IPC 112
  1. The accused abetted a principal act, and that act was committed
  2. A further act was committed in addition to the act abetted
  3. The further act constituted a distinct offence from the act abetted
  4. The abettor is liable for the further act under Section 111 IPC as a probable consequence committed under the influence of the abetment
Under BNS 52
  1. Commission of the act abetted by the principal offender
  2. Commission of an additional act in addition to the act abetted
  3. The additional act constitutes a separate and distinct offence
  4. The abettor is liable for that additional act under Section 51 BNS as a probable consequence
  5. Liability of the abettor to cumulative punishment for each of the offences

What IPC 112 to BNS 52 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 112 IPC (now Section 52 BNS): under Section 52 BNS, cumulative punishment for the act abetted and an additional distinct offence continues under the same principles as Section 112 IPC. The liability requires establishing that the additional act satisfied the test under Section 51 BNS. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 52 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 112 to BNS 52

What changed from Section 112 IPC in Section 52 BNS?▼

Section 52 BNS retains the substantive rule and statutory illustration of Section 112 IPC. The only textual update is replacing the reference to the last preceding section with a direct reference to section 51.

Where does Section 112 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 52 BNS, in Chapter IV, Of Abetment, Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt.

Does Section 112 IPC or Section 52 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 112 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 112 IPC. Section 52 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·