IPC 42→BNS 2(18)

IPC 42 to BNS 2(18): “Local law”

Section 42 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(18) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 42 →View BNS Section 2(18) →

IPC 42 to BNS 2(18) at a Glance

Section 42 IPC (“Local law”) is now Section 2(18) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 42 to BNS 2(18)?

Section 2(18) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. A local law means a law applicable only to a particular part of India, where the IPC said is. It is now clause 18 of the definitions section, with the term in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 42 vs BNS 2(18): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section422(18)
Offence“Local law”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 42 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(18) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 42 and BNS 2(18): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 42, IPC 1860

42. “Local law”.—A “local law” is a law applicable only to a particular part of India.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(18), BNS 2023

(18) “local law” means a law applicable only to a particular part of India;

Ingredients: IPC 42 vs BNS 2(18)

Under IPC 42
  1. A law
  2. Applicable only to a particular part of India
Under BNS 2(18)
  1. A law
  2. Applicable only to a particular part of India
  3. Unless the context otherwise requires

What IPC 42 to BNS 2(18) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 42 IPC (now Section 2(18) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, a law applicable only to a particular part of India, and only the verb changed from is to means.

FAQs: IPC 42 to BNS 2(18)

Did the meaning of local law change when Section 42 IPC became Section 2(18) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(18) BNS says a local law means a law applicable only to a particular part of India, where the IPC said is. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 42 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 18, headed local law.

Does Section 42 IPC or Section 2(18) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 42 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 42 IPC. Section 2(18) 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 ·