IPC 47→BNS 2(2)

IPC 47 to BNS 2(2): “Animal”

Section 47 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 47 →View BNS Section 2(2) →

IPC 47 to BNS 2(2) at a Glance

Section 47 IPC (“Animal”) is now Section 2(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 47 to BNS 2(2)?

Section 2(2) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. Animal means any living creature, other than a human being, where the IPC said denotes. It is now clause 2 of the definitions section, with the word in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 47 vs BNS 2(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section472(2)
Offence“Animal”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 47 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(2) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 47 and BNS 2(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 47, IPC 1860

47. “Animal”.—The word “animal” denotes any living creature, other than a human being.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(2), BNS 2023

(2) “animal” means any living creature, other than a human being;

Ingredients: IPC 47 vs BNS 2(2)

Under IPC 47
  1. The word animal
  2. Denotes any living creature
  3. Other than a human being
Under BNS 2(2)
  1. The word animal
  2. Means any living creature
  3. Other than a human being

What IPC 47 to BNS 2(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 47 IPC (now Section 2(2) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, any living creature other than a human being, and only the verb changed from denotes to means.

FAQs: IPC 47 to BNS 2(2)

Did the meaning of animal change when Section 47 IPC became Section 2(2) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(2) BNS says animal means any living creature, other than a human being, where the IPC said denotes. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 47 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

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

Does Section 47 IPC or Section 2(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 47 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 47 IPC. Section 2(2) 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 ·