IPC 96→BNS 34

IPC 96 to BNS 34: Things done in private defence

Section 96 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 34 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 96 →View BNS Section 34 →

IPC 96 to BNS 34 at a Glance

Section 96 IPC (Things done in private defence) is now Section 34 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 96 to BNS 34?

Section 34 BNS keeps the provision word for word.

IPC 96 vs BNS 34: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section9634
OffenceThings done in private defenceSame
PunishmentNone. Section 96 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 34 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 96 and BNS 34: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 96, IPC 1860

96. Things done in private defence.—Nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 34, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence.

Ingredients: IPC 96 vs BNS 34

Under IPC 96
  1. There is a right of private defence of the body or of property under the Code
  2. The act is done in the exercise of that right
Under BNS 34
  1. There is a right of private defence of the body or of property under the Sanhita
  2. The act is done in the exercise of that right
  3. The act stays within the limits placed on the right of private defence by the later sections

What IPC 96 to BNS 34 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 96 IPC (now Section 34 BNS): nothing changes in the opening rule on private defence. Section 34 BNS carries over the same rule that an act done in the exercise of the right is no offence.

FAQs: IPC 96 to BNS 34

What changed when Section 96 IPC became Section 34 BNS?▼

Nothing. The BNS carries the provision over unchanged.

Where does Section 96 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 34 BNS, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 96 IPC or Section 34 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 96 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 Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 96 IPC. Section 34 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 ·