IPC 48→BNS 2(32)

IPC 48 to BNS 2(32): “Vessel”

Section 48 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(32) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 48 →View BNS Section 2(32) →

IPC 48 to BNS 2(32) at a Glance

Section 48 IPC (“Vessel”) is now Section 2(32) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 48 to BNS 2(32)?

Section 2(32) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. Vessel means anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property, where the IPC said denotes. It is now clause 32 of the definitions section, with the word in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 48 vs BNS 2(32): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section482(32)
Offence“Vessel”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 48 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(32) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 48 and BNS 2(32): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 48, IPC 1860

48. “Vessel”.—The word “vessel” denotes anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(32), BNS 2023

(32) “vessel” means anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property;

Ingredients: IPC 48 vs BNS 2(32)

Under IPC 48
  1. The word vessel
  2. Denotes anything
  3. Made for the conveyance by water
  4. Of human beings or of property
Under BNS 2(32)
  1. The word vessel
  2. Means anything
  3. Made for the conveyance by water
  4. Of human beings or of property

What IPC 48 to BNS 2(32) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 48 IPC (now Section 2(32) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property, and only the verb changed from denotes to means.

FAQs: IPC 48 to BNS 2(32)

Did the meaning of vessel change when Section 48 IPC became Section 2(32) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(32) BNS says vessel means anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property, where the IPC said denotes. The meaning is the same.

Where does Section 48 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 32, headed vessel.

Does Section 48 IPC or Section 2(32) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 48 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 48 IPC. Section 2(32) 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 ·