IPC 43→BNS 2(15)

IPC 43 to BNS 2(15): “Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”

Section 43 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(15) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 43 →View BNS Section 2(15) →

IPC 43 to BNS 2(15) at a Glance

Section 43 IPC (“Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”) is now Section 2(15) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 43 to BNS 2(15)?

Section 2(15) BNS carries both definitions in the same words. It is now clause 15 of the definitions section, with the two terms in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 43 vs BNS 2(15): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section432(15)
Offence“Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 43 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(15) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 43 and BNS 2(15): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 43, IPC 1860

43. “Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”.—The word “illegal” is applicable to everything which is an offence or which is prohibited by law, or which furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person is said to be “legally bound to do” whatever it is illegal in him to omit.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(15), BNS 2023

(15) “illegal” and “legally bound to do”.—The word “illegal” is applicable to everything which is an offence or which is prohibited by law, or which furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person is said to be “legally bound to do” whatever it is illegal in him to omit;

Ingredients: IPC 43 vs BNS 2(15)

Under IPC 43
  1. The word illegal applies to everything which is an offence
  2. Or which is prohibited by law
  3. Or which furnishes ground for a civil action
  4. A person is legally bound to do whatever it is illegal in him to omit
Under BNS 2(15)
  1. The word illegal applies to everything which is an offence
  2. Or which is prohibited by law
  3. Or which furnishes ground for a civil action
  4. A person is legally bound to do whatever it is illegal in him to omit

What IPC 43 to BNS 2(15) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 43 IPC (now Section 2(15) BNS): nothing turns on the move. Illegal and legally bound to do keep the same meaning under both Codes.

FAQs: IPC 43 to BNS 2(15)

Did the meaning of illegal and legally bound to do change when Section 43 IPC became Section 2(15) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(15) BNS carries both in the same words.

Where does Section 43 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 15, headed illegal and legally bound to do.

Does Section 43 IPC or Section 2(15) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 43 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 43 IPC. Section 2(15) 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 ·