Section 25 BNS: Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 25 BNS at a Glance

Section 25 BNS deals with act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent. It replaced Section 87 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

None. Section 25 BNS creates no offence.

IPC Equivalent

Section 87 →

Section 25 BNS Bare Act Text

25. Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent

Nothing which is not intended to cause death, or grievous hurt, and which is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause, or be intended by the doer to cause, to any person, above eighteen years of age, who has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer that harm; or by reason of any harm which it may be known by the doer to be likely to cause to any such person who has consented to take the risk of that harm.

Illustration

A and Z agree to fence with each other for amusement. This agreement implies the consent of each to suffer any harm which, in the course of such fencing, may be caused without foul play; and if A, while playing fairly, hurts Z, A commits no offence.

Source: Section 25, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 25 BNS in Simple Words

Section 25 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) protects acts done with consent when the person doing the act does not intend to cause death or grievous hurt, and does not know that such harm is likely. In simple terms, if a person above eighteen years of age agrees to suffer the harm or take the risk of it, and the act is not meant or known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, criminal liability does not arise merely because some harm results. This provision often applies in situations where physical contact or risk is involved, but the act is otherwise lawful in nature and consent is present.

It is relevant in sports, games, medical or bodily acts with consent, and similar situations where the adult accepting the act understands the ordinary risk. The practical point is that consent can protect a person only when the act is not intended, and not known, to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt. If the act crosses that line, this protection will not apply.

Ingredients of Section 25 BNS

  • The act is not intended to cause death or grievous hurt
  • It is not known by the doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt
  • The harm is caused to a person above eighteen years of age
  • That person has given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer the harm, or has consented to take the risk of it

Punishment Under Section 25 BNS

Imprisonment

None. Section 25 BNS creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 25 BNS is a General Exception. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the BNSS.

Example of Section 25 BNS

In Rohtak, two adults, Sunil and Pawan, agree to a friendly wrestling bout. In the bout Sunil, playing by the rules, bruises Pawan's shoulder. Neither intended grievous hurt, and Pawan has consented to the harm of such a bout, so under Section 25 BNS Sunil commits no offence.

When Section 25 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The act is intended to cause death or grievous hurt
  • The doer knows that the act is likely to cause death or grievous hurt
  • The person harmed is not above eighteen years of age
  • The person harmed has not given consent to the harm or to the risk of it
  • The harm is caused by foul play outside what was agreed

Section 25 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 25 BNS replaces Section 87 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 25 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

View IPC Section 87 →

FAQs on Section 25 BNS

Does Section 25 BNS give blanket permission for any harmful act if there is consent?▼

No. Consent does not protect an act if the person doing it intended to cause death or grievous hurt, or knew that such harm was likely. The protection is limited to acts within the legal boundaries of valid consent.

Can Section 25 BNS apply in sports or physical activities?▼

Yes, it can apply where the participants voluntarily accept ordinary risks involved in the activity. But if the conduct is reckless or crosses into serious harm that was likely to occur, this protection may not help.

Is Section 25 BNS a punishment provision?▼

No. It is an exception provision. It explains when an act will not be treated as an offence because consent and lack of harmful intention are present.

How is the rule in Section 25 BNS stated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

The same principle now appears in Section 25 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The legal idea remains the same, with the old code numbering replaced by Section 25 BNS.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·