IPC 31→BNS 2(34)

IPC 31 to BNS 2(34): “A will”

Section 31 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(34) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 31 →View BNS Section 2(34) →

IPC 31 to BNS 2(34) at a Glance

Section 31 IPC (“A will”) is now Section 2(34) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 31 to BNS 2(34)?

Section 2(34) BNS carries the definition with small wording changes. It defines the word will in place of the words a will, says means where the IPC said denote, and drops the opening words The words. It is now a clause of the definitions section in place of a section of its own.

IPC 31 vs BNS 2(34): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section312(34)
Offence“A will”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 31 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(34) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 31 and BNS 2(34): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 31, IPC 1860

31. “A will”.—The words “a will” denote any testamentary document.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(34), BNS 2023

(34) “will” means any testamentary document;

Ingredients: IPC 31 vs BNS 2(34)

Under IPC 31
  1. The words a will
  2. Any testamentary document
Under BNS 2(34)
  1. The word will is used in the Sanhita
  2. It refers to a document
  3. The document is a testamentary document

What IPC 31 to BNS 2(34) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 31 IPC (now Section 2(34) BNS): the meaning is the same. Any testamentary document is a will under both Codes, so the offences that single out a will keep the same meaning.

FAQs: IPC 31 to BNS 2(34)

Did the meaning of a will change when Section 31 IPC became Section 2(34) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(34) BNS defines the word will as any testamentary document, the same test as Section 31 IPC, with means in place of denote.

Which BNS section matches Section 477 IPC?▼

Section 343 BNS, which covers the fraudulent cancellation or destruction of a will, an authority to adopt or a valuable security.

Does Section 31 IPC or Section 2(34) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 31 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 31 IPC. Section 2(34) 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 ·