IPC 52→BNS 2(11)

IPC 52 to BNS 2(11): “Good faith”

Section 52 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(11) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 52 →View BNS Section 2(11) →

IPC 52 to BNS 2(11) at a Glance

Section 52 IPC (“Good faith”) is now Section 2(11) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 52 to BNS 2(11)?

Section 2(11) BNS carries the definition forward word for word. It is now clause 11 of the definitions section, headed good faith, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 52 vs BNS 2(11): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section522(11)
Offence“Good faith”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 52 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(11) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 52 and BNS 2(11): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 52, IPC 1860

52. “Good faith”.—Nothing is said to be done or believed in “good faith” which is done or believed without due care and attention.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(11), BNS 2023

(11) “good faith”.—Nothing is said to be done or believed in “good faith” which is done or believed without due care and attention;

Ingredients: IPC 52 vs BNS 2(11)

Under IPC 52
  1. The words good faith
  2. Something done or believed
  3. Done or believed without due care and attention
  4. Which the section says is not done or believed in good faith
Under BNS 2(11)
  1. The words good faith
  2. Something done or believed
  3. Done or believed without due care and attention
  4. Which the section says is not done or believed in good faith

What IPC 52 to BNS 2(11) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 52 IPC (now Section 2(11) BNS): nothing turns on the move. The definition is the same, and a thing done or believed without due care and attention is still not done or believed in good faith.

FAQs: IPC 52 to BNS 2(11)

Did the meaning of good faith change when Section 52 IPC became Section 2(11) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(11) BNS repeats Section 52 IPC word for word.

Where does Section 52 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 2 BNS, the definitions section, as clause 11, headed good faith.

Does Section 52 IPC or Section 2(11) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 52 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 52 IPC. Section 2(11) 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 ·