IPC 51→BNS 2(23)

IPC 51 to BNS 2(23): “Oath”

Section 51 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(23) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 51 →View BNS Section 2(23) →

IPC 51 to BNS 2(23) at a Glance

Section 51 IPC (“Oath”) is now Section 2(23) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 51 to BNS 2(23)?

Section 2(23) BNS keeps the definition and changes one phrase. It ends whether in a Court or not, where the IPC said whether in a Court of Justice or not. Section 2(5) BNS now defines Court, in place of the IPC definition of Court of Justice. It is now clause 23 of the definitions section, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 51 vs BNS 2(23): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section512(23)
Offence“Oath”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 51 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(23) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 51 and BNS 2(23): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 51, IPC 1860

51. “Oath”.—The word “oath” includes a solemn affirmation substituted by law for an oath, and any declaration required or authorised by law to be made before a public servant or to be used for the purpose of proof, whether in a Court of Justice or not.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(23), BNS 2023

(23) “oath” includes a solemn affirmation substituted by law for an oath, and any declaration required or authorised by law to be made before a public servant or to be used for the purpose of proof, whether in a Court or not;

Ingredients: IPC 51 vs BNS 2(23)

Under IPC 51
  1. The word oath
  2. Includes a solemn affirmation substituted by law for an oath
  3. Includes any declaration required or authorised by law to be made before a public servant
  4. Includes any declaration required or authorised by law to be used for the purpose of proof
  5. Whether in a Court of Justice or not
Under BNS 2(23)
  1. Includes a solemn affirmation substituted by law for an oath
  2. Includes any declaration required or authorised by law to be made before a public servant
  3. Includes any declaration required or authorised by law to be used for the purpose of proof
  4. Whether in a Court or not

What IPC 51 to BNS 2(23) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 51 IPC (now Section 2(23) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The meaning is the same, and only the closing phrase changed from Court of Justice to Court.

FAQs: IPC 51 to BNS 2(23)

Did the meaning of oath change when Section 51 IPC became Section 2(23) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(23) BNS includes the same solemn affirmation and the same declarations. Only the closing phrase changed, from Court of Justice to Court.

Where does Section 51 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 23, headed oath.

Does Section 51 IPC or Section 2(23) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 51 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 51 IPC. Section 2(23) 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 ·