IPC 87→BNS 25

IPC 87 to BNS 25: Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent

Section 87 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 25 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 87 →View BNS Section 25 →

IPC 87 to BNS 25 at a Glance

Section 87 IPC (Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent) is now Section 25 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 87 to BNS 25?

Section 25 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

IPC 87 vs BNS 25: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section8725
OffenceAct not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consentSame
PunishmentNone. Section 87 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 25 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 87 and BNS 25: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 87, IPC 1860

87. Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent.—Nothing which is not intended to cause death, or grievous hurt, and which is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause, or be intended by the doer to cause, to any person, above eighteen years of age, who has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer that harm; or by reason of any harm which it may be known by the doer to be likely to cause to any such person who has consented to take the risk of that harm. Illustration A and Z agree to fence with each other for amusement. This agreement implies the consent of each to suffer any harm which, in the course of such fencing, may be caused without foul play; and if A, while playing fairly, hurts Z, A commits no offence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 25, BNS 2023

Nothing which is not intended to cause death, or grievous hurt, and which is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause, or be intended by the doer to cause, to any person, above eighteen years of age, who has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer that harm; or by reason of any harm which it may be known by the doer to be likely to cause to any such person who has consented to take the risk of that harm. Illustration. A and Z agree to fence with each other for amusement. This agreement implies the consent of each to suffer any harm which, in the course of such fencing, may be caused without foul play; and if A, while playing fairly, hurts Z, A commits no offence.

Ingredients: IPC 87 vs BNS 25

Under IPC 87
  1. The act is not intended to cause death or grievous hurt
  2. It is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt
  3. The harm is caused to a person above eighteen years of age
  4. That person has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer the harm, or has consented to take the risk of it
Under BNS 25
  1. The act is not intended to cause death or grievous hurt
  2. It is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt
  3. The harm is caused to a person above eighteen years of age
  4. That person has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer the harm, or has consented to take the risk of it

What IPC 87 to BNS 25 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 87 IPC (now Section 25 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for harm suffered by an adult who consents. Section 25 BNS keeps the same conditions and the same illustration.

FAQs: IPC 87 to BNS 25

Does the BNS keep the exception in Section 87 IPC?▼

Yes. Section 25 BNS says the same in the same words and keeps the illustration.

Where does Section 87 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 25 BNS, with the same heading, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 87 IPC or Section 25 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 87 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 87 IPC. Section 25 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 ·