IPC 83→BNS 21

IPC 83 to BNS 21: Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding

Section 83 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 21 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 83 →View BNS Section 21 →

IPC 83 to BNS 21 at a Glance

Section 83 IPC (Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding) is now Section 21 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 83 to BNS 21?

Section 21 BNS keeps the exception. Its heading and its text both say under twelve years of age where the IPC says under twelve.

IPC 83 vs BNS 21: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section8321
OffenceAct of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understandingSame
PunishmentNone. Section 83 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 21 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 83 and BNS 21: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 83, IPC 1860

83. Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding.—Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 21, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve years of age, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.

Ingredients: IPC 83 vs BNS 21

Under IPC 83
  1. The act is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve
  2. The child has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct
  3. That immaturity existed on that occasion, when the act was done
Under BNS 21
  1. The act is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve
  2. The child has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct
  3. That immaturity existed on that occasion, when the act was done

What IPC 83 to BNS 21 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 83 IPC (now Section 21 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a child of immature understanding. Section 21 BNS only spells out years of age after the word twelve.

FAQs: IPC 83 to BNS 21

What changed when Section 83 IPC became Section 21 BNS?▼

Only the words years of age, which Section 21 BNS adds after twelve in its heading and in its text. The ages and the test stay the same.

Where does Section 83 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 21 BNS, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 83 IPC or Section 21 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 83 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 83 IPC. Section 21 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 ·