IPC 95→BNS 33

IPC 95 to BNS 33: Act causing slight harm

Section 95 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 33 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 95 →View BNS Section 33 →

IPC 95 to BNS 33 at a Glance

Section 95 IPC (Act causing slight harm) is now Section 33 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 95 to BNS 33?

Section 33 BNS keeps the exception word for word.

IPC 95 vs BNS 33: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section9533
OffenceAct causing slight harmSame
PunishmentNone. Section 95 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 33 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 95 and BNS 33: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 95, IPC 1860

95. Act causing slight harm.—Nothing is an offence by reason that it causes, or that it is intended to cause, or that it is known to be likely to cause, any harm, if that harm is so slight that no person of ordinary sense and temper would complain of such harm.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 33, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence by reason that it causes, or that it is intended to cause, or that it is known to be likely to cause, any harm, if that harm is so slight that no person of ordinary sense and temper would complain of such harm.

Ingredients: IPC 95 vs BNS 33

Under IPC 95
  1. An act causes, is intended to cause, or is known to be likely to cause some harm
  2. The harm is so slight that no person of ordinary sense and temper would complain of it
Under BNS 33
  1. An act causes, is intended to cause, or is known to be likely to cause some harm
  2. The harm is so slight that no person of ordinary sense and temper would complain of it
  3. The act would be an offence only by reason of that harm

What IPC 95 to BNS 33 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 95 IPC (now Section 33 BNS): nothing changes in how trivial harm is treated. Section 33 BNS carries over the same test of harm so slight that no person of ordinary sense and temper would complain.

FAQs: IPC 95 to BNS 33

What changed when Section 95 IPC became Section 33 BNS?▼

Nothing. The BNS carries the exception over unchanged.

Where does Section 95 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 33 BNS, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 95 IPC or Section 33 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 95 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 95 IPC. Section 33 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 ·