IPC 77→BNS 15

IPC 77 to BNS 15: Act of Judge when acting judicially

Section 77 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 15 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 77 →View BNS Section 15 →

IPC 77 to BNS 15 at a Glance

Section 77 IPC (Act of Judge when acting judicially) is now Section 15 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 77 to BNS 15?

Section 15 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

IPC 77 vs BNS 15: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section7715
OffenceAct of Judge when acting judiciallySame
PunishmentNone. Section 77 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 15 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 77 and BNS 15: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 77, IPC 1860

77. Act of Judge when acting judicially.—Nothing is an offence which is done by a Judge when acting judicially in the exercise of any power which is, or which in good faith he believes to be, given to him by law.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 15, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence which is done by a Judge when acting judicially in the exercise of any power which is, or which in good faith he believes to be, given to him by law.

Ingredients: IPC 77 vs BNS 15

Under IPC 77
  1. The act is done by a Judge
  2. The Judge is acting judicially when he does it
  3. The act is in the exercise of a power which is given to him by law, or which in good faith he believes to be given to him by law
Under BNS 15
  1. The act is done by a Judge
  2. The Judge is acting judicially when he does it
  3. The act is in the exercise of a power which is given to him by law, or which in good faith he believes to be given to him by law

What IPC 77 to BNS 15 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 77 IPC (now Section 15 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a Judge acting judicially. Section 15 BNS keeps it word for word.

FAQs: IPC 77 to BNS 15

Does the BNS keep the exception in Section 77 IPC?▼

Yes. Section 15 BNS says the same in the same words.

Where does Section 77 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 15 BNS, which has the same heading and sits in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 77 IPC or Section 15 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 77 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 77 IPC. Section 15 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 ·