IPC 22→BNS 2(21)

IPC 22 to BNS 2(21): “Movable property”

Section 22 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(21) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 22 →View BNS Section 2(21) →

IPC 22 to BNS 2(21) at a Glance

Section 22 IPC (“Movable property”) is now Section 2(21) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 22 to BNS 2(21)?

Section 2(21) BNS drops the words are intended to include corporeal and says movable property includes property of every description. The IPC limited the definition to corporeal property; the BNS text carries no such limit, so the definition is wider. The three exclusions for land, things attached to the earth, and things permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth are word for word the same.

IPC 22 vs BNS 2(21): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section222(21)
Offence“Movable property”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 22 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(21) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 22 and BNS 2(21): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 22, IPC 1860

22. “Movable property”.—The words “movable property” are intended to include corporeal property of every description, except land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(21), BNS 2023

(21) “movable property” includes property of every description, except land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth;

Ingredients: IPC 22 vs BNS 2(21)

Under IPC 22
  1. The property is corporeal, having a physical existence
  2. It is not land
  3. It is not attached to the earth
  4. It is not permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth
Under BNS 2(21)
  1. Property of every description
  2. It is not land
  3. It is not attached to the earth
  4. It is not permanently fastened to anything which is attached to the earth

What IPC 22 to BNS 2(21) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 22 IPC (now Section 2(21) BNS): offences that turn on movable property, such as theft under Section 303 BNS, now read the term without the word corporeal. For an act done before 1 July 2024 the IPC definition, limited to corporeal property, still governs.

FAQs: IPC 22 to BNS 2(21)

Section 22 IPC: is the BNS definition of movable property the same as the IPC one?▼

Not quite. Section 2(21) BNS drops the word corporeal, so it is no longer limited to property with a physical existence. The exclusions for land and things attached to the earth are unchanged.

Section 22 IPC: is standing timber movable property under the BNS?▼

No, not while it is rooted. Section 2(21) BNS still excludes things attached to the earth. Explanation 1 to Section 303 BNS makes it capable of theft once it is severed.

Does Section 22 IPC or Section 2(21) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 22 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 22 IPC. Section 2(21) 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 ·