IPC 46→BNS 2(6)

IPC 46 to BNS 2(6): “Death”

Section 46 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(6) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 46 →View BNS Section 2(6) →

IPC 46 to BNS 2(6) at a Glance

Section 46 IPC (“Death”) is now Section 2(6) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 46 to BNS 2(6)?

Section 2(6) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. Death means the death of a human being unless the contrary appears from the context, where the IPC said denotes. It is now clause 6 of the definitions section, with the word in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 46 vs BNS 2(6): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section462(6)
Offence“Death”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 46 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(6) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 46 and BNS 2(6): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 46, IPC 1860

46. “Death”.—The word “death” denotes the death of a human being unless the contrary appears from the context.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(6), BNS 2023

(6) “death” means the death of a human being unless the contrary appears from the context;

Ingredients: IPC 46 vs BNS 2(6)

Under IPC 46
  1. The word death
  2. Denotes the death of a human being
  3. Unless the contrary appears from the context
Under BNS 2(6)
  1. The word death
  2. Means the death of a human being
  3. Unless the contrary appears from the context

What IPC 46 to BNS 2(6) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 46 IPC (now Section 2(6) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, the death of a human being unless the context shows the contrary, and only the verb changed from denotes to means.

FAQs: IPC 46 to BNS 2(6)

Did the meaning of death change when Section 46 IPC became Section 2(6) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(6) BNS says death means the death of a human being unless the contrary appears from the context, where the IPC said denotes. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 46 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 6, headed death.

Does Section 46 IPC or Section 2(6) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 46 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 46 IPC. Section 2(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 ·