IPC 33→BNS 2(1) and 2(25)

IPC 33 to BNS 2(1) and 2(25): “Act”. “Omission”

Section 33 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(1) and 2(25) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 33 →View BNS Section 2(1) and 2(25) →

IPC 33 to BNS 2(1) and 2(25) at a Glance

Section 33 IPC (“Act”. “Omission”) is now Section 2(1) and 2(25) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 33 to BNS 2(1) and 2(25)?

The BNS defines the two words in two separate clauses. Act is Section 2(1) BNS and omission is Section 2(25) BNS, so they no longer sit together in one provision. Each clause says that the word denotes a series as well as a single one.

IPC 33 vs BNS 2(1) and 2(25): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section332(1) and 2(25)
Offence“Act”. “Omission”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 33 IPC creates no offence.None. Sections 2(1) and 2(25) BNS create no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 33 and BNS 2(1) and 2(25): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 33, IPC 1860

33. “Act”. “Omission”.—The word “act” denotes as well a series of acts as a single act: the word “omission” denotes as well a series of omissions as a single omission.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(1) and 2(25), BNS 2023

(1) “act” denotes as well a series of acts as a single act; (25) “omission” denotes as well as a series of omissions as a single omission;

Ingredients: IPC 33 vs BNS 2(1) and 2(25)

Under IPC 33
  1. The word act denotes a single act
  2. The word act also denotes a series of acts
  3. The word omission denotes a single omission
  4. The word omission also denotes a series of omissions
Under BNS 2(1) and 2(25)
  1. The word act denotes a single act
  2. The word act also denotes a series of acts
  3. The word omission denotes a single omission
  4. The word omission also denotes a series of omissions

What IPC 33 to BNS 2(1) and 2(25) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 33 IPC (now Section 2(1) and 2(25) BNS): nothing turns on the split. Act still covers a single act or a series of acts, and omission still covers a single omission or a series of omissions.

FAQs: IPC 33 to BNS 2(1) and 2(25)

Did the meaning of act or omission change when Section 33 IPC became Sections 2(1) and 2(25) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(1) BNS and Section 2(25) BNS give each word the same meaning, a single one or a series.

Section 33 IPC: why is this one IPC section two BNS clauses?▼

Section 2 BNS lists its definitions in alphabetical order, so act and omission each take their own clause.

Does Section 33 IPC or Sections 2(1) and 2(25) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 33 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 33 IPC. Sections 2(1) and 2(25) 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 ·