IPC 45→BNS 2(17)

IPC 45 to BNS 2(17): “Life”

Section 45 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(17) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 45 →View BNS Section 2(17) →

IPC 45 to BNS 2(17) at a Glance

Section 45 IPC (“Life”) is now Section 2(17) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 45 to BNS 2(17)?

Section 2(17) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. Life means the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context, where the IPC said denotes. It is now clause 17 of the definitions section, with the word in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 45 vs BNS 2(17): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section452(17)
Offence“Life”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 45 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(17) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 45 and BNS 2(17): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 45, IPC 1860

45. “Life”.—The word “life” denotes the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(17), BNS 2023

(17) “life” means the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context;

Ingredients: IPC 45 vs BNS 2(17)

Under IPC 45
  1. The word life
  2. Denotes the life of a human being
  3. Unless the contrary appears from the context
Under BNS 2(17)
  1. The word life
  2. Means the life of a human being
  3. Unless the contrary appears from the context

What IPC 45 to BNS 2(17) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 45 IPC (now Section 2(17) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, the life of a human being unless the context shows the contrary, and only the verb changed from denotes to means.

FAQs: IPC 45 to BNS 2(17)

Did the meaning of life change when Section 45 IPC became Section 2(17) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(17) BNS says life means the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context, where the IPC said denotes. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 45 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 17, headed life.

Does Section 45 IPC or Section 2(17) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 45 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 45 IPC. Section 2(17) 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 ·