IPC 9 Is Now BNS 2(22): Number Definition, What Changed

What Changed From IPC 9 to BNS 2(22)?

Section 9 IPC corresponds to Section 2(22) BNS. Section 2(22) BNS preserves the rule of construction on grammatical number verbatim, concluding with a semicolon as part of the consolidated definitions section. Words in the singular continue to include the plural and vice versa unless excluded by statutory context.

IPC 9 vs BNS 2(22): Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	9	2(22)
Offence	Number	Same
Punishment	None. Section 9 IPC creates no offence.	None. Section 2(22) BNS creates no offence.
Fine	None. Section 9 IPC creates no offence.	None. Section 2(22) BNS creates no offence.
Bail	Non-Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Non-Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same

IPC 9 and BNS 2(22): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 9, IPC 1860

9. Number.—Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(22), BNS 2023

“number”.—Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number;

Ingredients: IPC 9 vs BNS 2(22)

Under IPC 9

Words importing the singular number include the plural number
Words importing the plural number include the singular number
Application operates unless the contrary appears from the context

Under BNS 2(22)

Under Section 2(22) BNS, words importing the singular number include the plural number
Under Section 2(22) BNS, words importing the plural number include the singular number
Both rules yield where the contrary appears from the context

What IPC 9 to BNS 2(22) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 9 IPC (now Section 2(22) BNS): under Section 2(22) BNS, the rule on singular and plural is unchanged. A provision of the Sanhita that speaks of one thing reaches several, and the reverse, unless the contrary appears from the context.

FAQs: IPC 9 to BNS 2(22)

What changed from Section 9 IPC in Section 2(22) BNS?▼

Section 2(22) BNS preserves the text of Section 9 IPC word for word, moving the provision into the consolidated definitions section of the Sanhita with no change in legal effect.

Where does Section 9 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 2(22) BNS, in Chapter I, Preliminary, under the heading Definitions.

Does Section 9 IPC or Section 2(22) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 9 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 9 IPC. Section 2(22) BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 9 to BNS 2(22): Number

IPC 9 to BNS 2(22) at a Glance