IPC 94→BNS 32

IPC 94 to BNS 32: Act to which a person is compelled by threats

Section 94 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 32 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 94 →View BNS Section 32 →

IPC 94 to BNS 32 at a Glance

Section 94 IPC (Act to which a person is compelled by threats) is now Section 32 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 94 to BNS 32?

Section 32 BNS keeps the exception and both explanations word for word. The only change is in the proviso, which reads Provided that the person where the IPC reads Provided the person.

IPC 94 vs BNS 32: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section9432
OffenceAct to which a person is compelled by threatsSame
PunishmentNone. Section 94 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 32 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 94 and BNS 32: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 94, IPC 1860

94. Act to which a person is compelled by threats.—Except murder, and offences against the State punishable with death, nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is compelled to do it by threats, which, at the time of doing it, reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the consequence: Provided the person doing the act did not of his own accord, or from a reasonable apprehension of harm to himself short of instant death, place himself in the situation by which he became subject to such constraint. Explanation 1.—A person who, of his own accord, or by reason of a threat of being beaten, joins a gang of dacoits, knowing their character, is not entitled to the benefit of this exception, on the ground of his having been compelled by his associates to do anything that is an offence by law. Explanation 2.—A person seized by a gang of dacoits, and forced, by threat of instant death, to do a thing which is an offence by law; for example, a smith compelled to take his tools and to force the door of a house for the dacoits to enter and plunder it, is entitled to the benefit of this exception.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 32, BNS 2023

Except murder, and offences against the State punishable with death, nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is compelled to do it by threats, which, at the time of doing it, reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the consequence: Provided that the person doing the act did not of his own accord, or from a reasonable apprehension of harm to himself short of instant death, place himself in the situation by which he became subject to such constraint. Explanation 1.—A person who, of his own accord, or by reason of a threat of being beaten, joins a gang of dacoits, knowing their character, is not entitled to the benefit of this exception, on the ground of his having been compelled by his associates to do anything that is an offence by law. Explanation 2.—A person seized by a gang of dacoits, and forced, by threat of instant death, to do a thing which is an offence by law; for example, a smith compelled to take his tools and to force the door of a house for the dacoits to enter and plunder it, is entitled to the benefit of this exception.

Ingredients: IPC 94 vs BNS 32

Under IPC 94
  1. The offence is not murder and not an offence against the State punishable with death
  2. The person is compelled to do the act by threats
  3. The threats, at the time of doing it, reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the consequence
  4. The person did not, of his own accord or from a reasonable apprehension of harm short of instant death, place himself in the situation
Under BNS 32
  1. The offence is not murder and not an offence against the State punishable with death
  2. The person is compelled to do the act by threats
  3. The threats, at the time of doing it, reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the consequence
  4. The person did not, of his own accord or from a reasonable apprehension of harm short of instant death, place himself in the situation

What IPC 94 to BNS 32 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 94 IPC (now Section 32 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a person compelled by threats of instant death. Section 32 BNS carries over the same exclusions, the same proviso and both explanations.

FAQs: IPC 94 to BNS 32

What changed when Section 94 IPC became Section 32 BNS?▼

Only one word. The proviso says Provided that the person in the BNS where the IPC says Provided the person. The rest is the same.

Where does Section 94 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 32 BNS, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 94 IPC or Section 32 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 94 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 94 IPC. Section 32 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 ·