IPC 41→BNS 2(30)

IPC 41 to BNS 2(30): “Special law”

Section 41 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(30) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 41 →View BNS Section 2(30) →

IPC 41 to BNS 2(30) at a Glance

Section 41 IPC (“Special law”) is now Section 2(30) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 41 to BNS 2(30)?

Section 2(30) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. A special law means a law applicable to a particular subject, where the IPC said is. It is now clause 30 of the definitions section, with the term in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 41 vs BNS 2(30): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section412(30)
Offence“Special law”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 41 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(30) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 41 and BNS 2(30): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 41, IPC 1860

41. “Special law”.—A “special law” is a law applicable to a particular subject.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(30), BNS 2023

(30) “special law” means a law applicable to a particular subject;

Ingredients: IPC 41 vs BNS 2(30)

Under IPC 41
  1. A law
  2. Applicable to a particular subject
Under BNS 2(30)
  1. The expression special law is used in the Sanhita
  2. A law
  3. Applicable to a particular subject

What IPC 41 to BNS 2(30) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 41 IPC (now Section 2(30) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, a law applicable to a particular subject, and only the verb changed from is to means.

FAQs: IPC 41 to BNS 2(30)

Did the meaning of special law change when Section 41 IPC became Section 2(30) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(30) BNS says a special law means a law applicable to a particular subject, where the IPC said is. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 41 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 30, headed special law.

Does Section 41 IPC or Section 2(30) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 41 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 41 IPC. Section 2(30) 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 ·