IPC 32→BNS 3(4)

IPC 32 to BNS 3(4): Words referring to acts include illegal omissions

Section 32 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 3(4) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 32 →View BNS Section 3(4) →

IPC 32 to BNS 3(4) at a Glance

Section 32 IPC (Words referring to acts include illegal omissions) is now Section 3(4) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 32 to BNS 3(4)?

Section 3(4) BNS carries the rule in the same words, with one change: it reads every Part of this Sanhita where the IPC read every part of this Code. It is now a sub-section of the general explanations section, with no heading of its own, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 32 vs BNS 3(4): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section323(4)
OffenceWords referring to acts include illegal omissionsSame
PunishmentNone. Section 32 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 3(4) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 32 and BNS 3(4): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 32, IPC 1860

32. Words referring to acts include illegal omissions.—In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 3(4), BNS 2023

(4) In every Part of this Sanhita, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.

Ingredients: IPC 32 vs BNS 3(4)

Under IPC 32
  1. Words in the Code which refer to acts done
  2. No contrary intention appearing from the context
  3. Extension of those words to illegal omissions
Under BNS 3(4)
  1. Words in every Part of the Sanhita which refer to acts done
  2. No contrary intention appearing from the context
  3. Extension of those words to illegal omissions

What IPC 32 to BNS 3(4) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 32 IPC (now Section 3(4) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The rule reads the same under both Codes: words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions, unless the context shows a contrary intention.

FAQs: IPC 32 to BNS 3(4)

Did the rule on illegal omissions change when Section 32 IPC became Section 3(4) BNS?▼

No. Section 3(4) BNS carries it word for word, except that it says this Sanhita in place of this Code.

Where does Section 32 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 3 BNS, the general explanations section, as sub-section 4 with no heading of its own.

Does Section 32 IPC or Section 3(4) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 32 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 32 IPC. Section 3(4) 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 ·