IPC 35→BNS 3(6)

IPC 35 to BNS 3(6): When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention

Section 35 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 3(6) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 35 →View BNS Section 3(6) →

IPC 35 to BNS 3(6) at a Glance

Section 35 IPC (When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention) is now Section 3(6) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 35 to BNS 3(6)?

Section 3(6) BNS carries the rule in the same words. It is a sub-section of the general explanations in Section 3 BNS and has no heading of its own.

IPC 35 vs BNS 3(6): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section353(6)
OffenceWhen such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intentionSame
PunishmentNone of its own. Each person is liable to the punishment for the offence done with that knowledge or intention.Same
FineNone of its own. Any fine comes from the section for the offence committed.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 35 and BNS 3(6): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 35, IPC 1860

35. When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention.—Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the act with such knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone with that knowledge or intention.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 3(6), BNS 2023

(6) Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the act with such knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone with that knowledge or intention.

Ingredients: IPC 35 vs BNS 3(6)

Under IPC 35
  1. An act which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention
  2. The act done by several persons
  3. Each person joining in the act with such knowledge or intention
Under BNS 3(6)
  1. An act which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention
  2. The act done by several persons
  3. Each person joining in the act with such knowledge or intention

What IPC 35 to BNS 3(6) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 35 IPC (now Section 3(6) BNS): nothing turns on the move. Each person who joins in an act with the criminal knowledge or intention that makes it criminal is liable as if he had done it alone, under both Codes.

FAQs: IPC 35 to BNS 3(6)

Did the rule on joint liability for a knowing act change when Section 35 IPC became Section 3(6) BNS?▼

No. Section 3(6) BNS carries it word for word.

Where does Section 35 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 3 BNS, the general explanations section, as sub-section 6 with no heading of its own.

Does Section 35 IPC or Section 3(6) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 35 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 35 IPC. Section 3(6) 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 ·