IPC 82→BNS 20

IPC 82 to BNS 20: Act of a child under seven years of age

Section 82 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 20 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 82 →View BNS Section 20 →

IPC 82 to BNS 20 at a Glance

Section 82 IPC (Act of a child under seven years of age) is now Section 20 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 82 to BNS 20?

Section 20 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

IPC 82 vs BNS 20: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section8220
OffenceAct of a child under seven years of ageSame
PunishmentNone. Section 82 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 20 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 82 and BNS 20: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 82, IPC 1860

82. Act of a child under seven years of age.—Nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 20, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.

Ingredients: IPC 82 vs BNS 20

Under IPC 82
  1. The act is done by a child
  2. The child is under seven years of age when the act is done
Under BNS 20
  1. An act is done which would otherwise be an offence
  2. The act is done by a child
  3. The child is under seven years of age when the act is done

What IPC 82 to BNS 20 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 82 IPC (now Section 20 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a child under seven years of age. Section 20 BNS keeps the same age limit and the same words.

FAQs: IPC 82 to BNS 20

Section 82 IPC: does the BNS keep the age of seven?▼

Yes. Section 20 BNS says the same in the same words.

Where does Section 82 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 20 BNS, with the same heading, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 82 IPC or Section 20 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 82 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 82 IPC. Section 20 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 ·