IPC 26 to BNS 2(29): “Reason to believe”
Section 26 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(29) BNS (2023)
IPC 26 to BNS 2(29) at a Glance
Section 26 IPC (“Reason to believe”) is now Section 2(29) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From IPC 26 to BNS 2(29)?
Section 2(29) BNS carries the definition word for word. It is now a clause of the definitions section, headed reason to believe, in place of a section of its own. No word of the test is added or removed.
IPC 26 vs BNS 2(29): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 26 | 2(29) |
| Offence | “Reason to believe” | Same |
| Punishment | None. Section 26 IPC creates no offence. | None. Section 2(29) BNS creates no offence. |
| Fine | None. | Same |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Non-Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
IPC 26 and BNS 2(29): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 26, IPC 1860
Section 2(29), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 26 vs BNS 2(29)
- A thing which the person is said to have reason to believe
- Sufficient cause to believe that thing
- A thing which the person is said to have reason to believe
- Sufficient cause to believe that thing
- Not otherwise than on such sufficient cause
What IPC 26 to BNS 2(29) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 26 to BNS 2(29)
Did the meaning of reason to believe change when Section 26 IPC became Section 2(29) BNS?▼
No. Section 2(29) BNS carries the definition of Section 26 IPC word for word: sufficient cause to believe the thing, and not otherwise.
Section 26 IPC: which BNS section punishes receiving stolen property?▼
Section 317 BNS. It applies, as Section 411 IPC did, to a person who knows or has reason to believe the property is stolen.
Does Section 26 IPC or Section 2(29) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 26 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 26 IPC. Section 2(29) 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 ·