Section 17 IPC: “Government”

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 17 IPC at a Glance

Section 17 IPC defines the term “Government”. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 2(12) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 17 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 2(12) →

Section 17 IPC Bare Act Text

17. “Government”

The word “Government” denotes the Central Government or the Government of a State.

Source: Section 17, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 17 IPC in Simple Words

Section 17 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines the word Government for the purposes of the Code. It provides that the word Government denotes the Central Government or the Government of a State.

Under this definition, where a provision of the Code refers to the Government, either the Union authority or a State authority is meant according to the context. Section 17 IPC is an interpretative definition that creates no offence and prescribes no punishment.

It has no entry in the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and compounding under Section 320 CrPC does not apply.

Ingredients of Section 17 IPC

  • The word Government denotes the Central Government
  • The word Government denotes the Government of a State

Punishment Under Section 17 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 17 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None. Section 17 IPC creates no offence.

Section 17 IPC defines Government and creates no offence. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 17 IPC

In 2021 in Bhubaneswar, Nitin counterfeited official stamps issued by the Central Government for postal revenue and also counterfeited stamps issued by the Government of Odisha for registration fees. When Nitin was investigated under the Indian Penal Code for counterfeiting stamps issued by Government, he contended that the word Government meant only the Union authority and excluded a State administration. Because the word Government denoted the Central Government or the Government of a State, both authorities were the Government within Section 17 IPC.

When Section 17 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 17 IPC does not apply to a municipal body, local board, or statutory corporation that is legally distinct from the Central Government and the Government of a State.
  • Section 17 IPC does not apply to the government of a foreign country or an international organisation.
  • Section 17 IPC does not apply as an independent criminal charge because it only defines the word Government and creates no offence.

Section 17 IPC in the BNS

Section 17 IPC is now covered under Section 2(12) BNS.

Section 17 IPC corresponds to Section 2(12) BNS. Section 2(12) BNS provides that Government means the Central Government or a State Government. The operative word denotes is replaced by means, and the Government of a State is phrased as a State Government. The provision sits as clause twelve within the alphabetical definitions of Section 2(12) BNS without altering legal substance.

View detailed comparison (IPC 17 vs BNS 2(12)) →

FAQs on Section 17 IPC

What does Section 17 IPC say?▼

Section 17 IPC provides that the word Government denotes the Central Government or the Government of a State.

Does the definition of Government under Section 17 IPC include municipal bodies?▼

Section 17 IPC specifies the Central Government and the Government of a State, so municipal corporations and local authorities are separate legal entities.

How does Section 2(12) BNS rephrase the definition of Government?▼

Section 2(12) BNS states that Government means the Central Government or a State Government, using means instead of denotes.

Does Section 17 IPC define an offence or prescribe punishment?▼

Section 17 IPC defines no offence and prescribes no punishment. It is an interpretative definition applicable throughout the Code.

Is Section 17 IPC bailable or cognizable?▼

Section 17 IPC has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC because it creates no offence.

Can proceedings be compounded under Section 17 IPC?▼

Compounding under Section 320 CrPC does not apply to Section 17 IPC because it creates no offence.

Have questions about Section 17 IPC?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

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

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·