IPC 93→BNS 31

IPC 93 to BNS 31: Communication made in good faith

Section 93 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 31 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 93 →View BNS Section 31 →

IPC 93 to BNS 31 at a Glance

Section 93 IPC (Communication made in good faith) is now Section 31 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 93 to BNS 31?

Section 31 BNS keeps the exception and the illustration word for word. The only difference is that the BNS prints Illustration with a full stop on a line of its own.

IPC 93 vs BNS 31: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section9331
OffenceCommunication made in good faithSame
PunishmentNone. Section 93 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 31 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 93 and BNS 31: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 93, IPC 1860

93. Communication made in good faith.—No communication made in good faith is an offence by reason of any harm to the person to whom it is made, if it is made for the benefit of that person. Illustration A, a surgeon, in good faith, communicates to a patient his opinion that he cannot live. The patient dies in consequence of the shock. A has committed no offence, though he knew it to be likely that the communication might cause the patient's death.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 31, BNS 2023

No communication made in good faith is an offence by reason of any harm to the person to whom it is made, if it is made for the benefit of that person. Illustration. A, a surgeon, in good faith, communicates to a patient his opinion that he cannot live. The patient dies in consequence of the shock. A has committed no offence, though he knew it to be likely that the communication might cause the patient’s death.

Ingredients: IPC 93 vs BNS 31

Under IPC 93
  1. A communication is made to a person
  2. It is made in good faith
  3. It is made for the benefit of the person to whom it is made
Under BNS 31
  1. A communication is made to a person
  2. It is made in good faith
  3. It is made for the benefit of the person to whom it is made

What IPC 93 to BNS 31 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 93 IPC (now Section 31 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a communication made in good faith. Section 31 BNS carries over the same exception and the same illustration.

FAQs: IPC 93 to BNS 31

What changed when Section 93 IPC became Section 31 BNS?▼

Nothing in substance. Section 31 BNS keeps the exception and the surgeon illustration word for word.

Where does Section 93 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 31 BNS, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 93 IPC or Section 31 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 93 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 93 IPC. Section 31 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 ·