IPC 34→BNS 3(5)

IPC 34 to BNS 3(5): Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention

Section 34 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 3(5) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 34 →View BNS Section 3(5) →

IPC 34 to BNS 3(5) at a Glance

Section 34 IPC (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) is now Section 3(5) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 34 to BNS 3(5)?

Section 34 IPC is now Section 3(5) BNS, with the same words. It is a sub-section of the general explanations in Section 3 BNS and has no heading of its own.

IPC 34 vs BNS 3(5): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section343(5)
OffenceActs done by several persons in furtherance of common intentionSame
PunishmentNone of its own. Each person is liable to the punishment for the offence committed in furtherance of the common intention.Same
FineNone of its own. Any fine comes from the section for the offence committed.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 34 and BNS 3(5): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 34, IPC 1860

34. Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.—When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 3(5), BNS 2023

(5) When a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.

Ingredients: IPC 34 vs BNS 3(5)

Under IPC 34
  1. A criminal act done by several persons
  2. A common intention shared by all of them
  3. The act done in furtherance of that common intention
Under BNS 3(5)
  1. A criminal act done by several persons
  2. A common intention shared by all of them
  3. The act done in furtherance of that common intention

What IPC 34 to BNS 3(5) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 34 IPC (now Section 3(5) BNS): nothing turns on the move. A criminal act done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all makes each of them liable as if he had done it alone, under both Codes.

FAQs: IPC 34 to BNS 3(5)

Did the rule on common intention change when Section 34 IPC became Section 3(5) BNS?▼

No. Section 3(5) BNS carries it word for word.

Where does Section 34 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 3 BNS, the general explanations section, as sub-section 5 with no heading of its own.

Does Section 34 IPC or Section 3(5) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 34 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 34 IPC. Section 3(5) 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: 17 Oct 2026 ·