IPC 12 to BNS 2(27): “Public”
Section 12 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(27) BNS (2023)
IPC 12 to BNS 2(27) at a Glance
Section 12 IPC (“Public”) is now Section 2(27) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From IPC 12 to BNS 2(27)?
Section 12 IPC corresponds to Section 2(27) BNS. Section 2(27) BNS retains the statutory definition verbatim, providing that public includes any class of the public or any community. The definition now sits as clause twenty-seven of the alphabetical definitions in Section 2 BNS.
IPC 12 vs BNS 2(27): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 12 | 2(27) |
| Offence | “Public” | Same |
| Punishment | None. Section 12 IPC creates no offence. | None. Section 2(27) BNS creates no offence. |
| Fine | None. Section 12 IPC creates no offence. | None. Section 2(27) BNS creates no offence. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Non-Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
IPC 12 and BNS 2(27): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 12, IPC 1860
Section 2(27), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 12 vs BNS 2(27)
- The word public includes any class of the public
- The word public includes any community
- Under Section 2(27) BNS the term public includes any class of the public
- Under Section 2(27) BNS the term public includes any community
What IPC 12 to BNS 2(27) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 12 to BNS 2(27)
What changed from Section 12 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
Section 12 IPC corresponds to Section 2(27) BNS without change in wording. The definition sits as clause twenty-seven within Section 2 BNS.
Where does Section 12 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
It sits in Section 2(27) BNS, in Chapter I, Preliminary, under the heading Definitions.
Does Section 12 IPC or Section 2(27) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 12 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 12 IPC. Section 2(27) 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 ·