Section 32 IPC: Words referring to acts include illegal omissions

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 32 IPC at a Glance

Section 32 IPC deals with words referring to acts include illegal omissions. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 3(4) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 32 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 3(4) →

Section 32 IPC Bare Act Text

32. Words referring to acts include illegal omissions

In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.

Source: Section 32, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 32 IPC in Simple Words

Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) says that in every part of the Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions. It is a rule for reading the Code. The section creates no offence and sets no punishment.

Ingredients of Section 32 IPC

  • Words in the Code which refer to acts done
  • No contrary intention appearing from the context
  • Extension of those words to illegal omissions

Punishment Under Section 32 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 32 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 32 IPC is a rule of reading. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 32 IPC

In 2016 in Bhopal, Gautam was employed as a railway crossing watchman and was legally bound to lower the safety barrier before an express train passed. Intending to cause hurt to a motorist named Tarun, Gautam deliberately omitted to lower the barrier, and the train struck Tarun's car, injuring him. Because Gautam omitted what he was legally bound to do, his failure was an illegal omission, and no contrary intention appeared from the context of the hurt provisions. Words referring to acts done extended to Gautam's illegal omission under Section 32 IPC.

When Section 32 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 32 IPC does not apply when a person fails to do something that the law does not require, because the omission is not an illegal omission.
  • Section 32 IPC does not apply to a provision of the Code where a contrary intention appears from the context restricting the provision to positive acts alone.
  • Section 32 IPC does not apply when a person merely harbours a hostile wish without committing either an act done or an illegal omission.

Section 32 IPC in the BNS

Section 32 IPC is now covered under Section 3(4) BNS.

Section 3(4) BNS carries the rule in the same words, with one change: it reads every Part of this Sanhita where the IPC read every part of this Code. It is now a sub-section of the general explanations section, with no heading of its own, in place of a section of its own.

View detailed comparison (IPC 32 vs BNS 3(4)) →

FAQs on Section 32 IPC

What does Section 32 IPC say?▼

That in every part of the Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.

Under Section 32 IPC, what is an illegal omission?▼

Section 43 IPC applies the word illegal to everything which is an offence, or is prohibited by law, or furnishes ground for a civil action. A person is legally bound to do whatever it is illegal in him to omit.

Under Section 32 IPC, when does the rule not apply?▼

Where a contrary intention appears from the context. Then words which refer to acts done do not extend to omissions.

Under Section 32 IPC, why does the rule matter?▼

Sections that speak of an act done, such as Section 299 IPC on causing death by doing an act, are read to reach an illegal omission as well.

Does Section 32 IPC create an offence?▼

No. It is a rule of reading and sets no punishment. The punishment comes from the section charged.

Have questions about Section 32 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 ·