IPC 57→BNS 6

IPC 57 to BNS 6: Fractions of terms of punishment

Section 57 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 6 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 57 →View BNS Section 6 →

IPC 57 to BNS 6 at a Glance

Section 57 IPC (Fractions of terms of punishment) is now Section 6 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 57 to BNS 6?

Section 6 BNS keeps the rule and adds the words unless otherwise provided at the end. The figure of twenty years is therefore the default, and it gives way where another provision says otherwise.

IPC 57 vs BNS 6: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section576
OffenceFractions of terms of punishmentSame
PunishmentNone. Section 57 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 6 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 57 and BNS 6: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 57, IPC 1860

57. Fractions of terms of punishment.—In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life shall be reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 6, BNS 2023

In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, imprisonment for life shall be reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided.

Ingredients: IPC 57 vs BNS 6

Under IPC 57
  1. A fraction of a term of punishment is being calculated
  2. The punishment in question is imprisonment for life
  3. Imprisonment for life is reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years
Under BNS 6
  1. A fraction of a term of punishment is being calculated
  2. The punishment in question is imprisonment for life
  3. Imprisonment for life is reckoned as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years unless otherwise provided

What IPC 57 to BNS 6 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 57 IPC (now Section 6 BNS): the added words matter only where another provision sets a different figure for a fraction. The IPC text has no such words, so under the IPC the figure of twenty years was stated without an exception.

FAQs: IPC 57 to BNS 6

Section 57 IPC: does the BNS keep the figure of twenty years?▼

Yes. Section 6 BNS reckons imprisonment for life as equivalent to imprisonment for twenty years in calculating fractions, and adds the words unless otherwise provided.

Where does Section 57 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 6 BNS, headed Fractions of terms of punishment, in Chapter II with the other rules on punishments.

Does Section 57 IPC or Section 6 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 57 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 57 IPC. Section 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 ·