Section 45 IPC: “Life”

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 45 IPC at a Glance

Section 45 IPC defines the term “Life”. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 2(17) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 45 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 2(17) →

Section 45 IPC Bare Act Text

45. “Life”
The word “life” denotes the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context.

Source: Section 45, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 45 IPC in Simple Words

Section 45 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines the word life. Life denotes the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context. The section creates no offence and sets no punishment. It fixes the meaning of a word used in other sections.

Ingredients of Section 45 IPC

The word life
Denotes the life of a human being
Unless the contrary appears from the context

Punishment Under Section 45 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 45 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 45 IPC is a definition. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 45 IPC

In Shimla in 2021, Devendra left an uninsulated live electric wire hanging across a narrow footpath outside his workshop where schoolboys walked home in the rain. A criminal charge was brought against him for doing a negligent act that endangered human life. At the trial, Devendra argued that only stray cattle had walked down the lane that afternoon. Because nothing in the context pointed to any creature other than a human being, the word life in the charge denoted the life of a human being within Section 45 IPC.

When Section 45 IPC Does Not Apply

Section 45 IPC does not apply to the life of a bird, beast, or fish unless the context of the provision shows that non-human life is meant.
Section 45 IPC does not apply to plant or tree life where the statutory context contains nothing to displace the ordinary meaning of a human being's life.
Where the context of a particular provision clearly shows that the word life refers to something other than a human being, the default meaning in Section 45 IPC gives way to that context.

Section 45 IPC in the BNS

Section 45 IPC is now covered under Section 2(17) BNS.

Section 2(17) BNS keeps the definition and changes one word. Life means the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context, where the IPC said denotes. It is now clause 17 of the definitions section, with the word in lower case, in place of a section of its own.

View detailed comparison (IPC 45 vs BNS 2(17)) →

FAQs on Section 45 IPC

What does Section 45 IPC define?▼

The word life, which it fixes as the life of a human being.

Under Section 45 IPC, can the word life mean something else in the IPC?▼

Yes, where the contrary appears from the context. Section 45 IPC makes the life of a human being the meaning only unless the context shows otherwise.

Which IPC offence uses 'life' in the sense of Section 45 IPC?▼

Section 336 IPC is one. It speaks of an act done so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others.

Does Section 45 IPC create an offence?▼

No. It fixes the meaning of a word and sets no punishment. The sections that use the word carry the punishment.

Where is Section 45 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 2(17) BNS, with the verb changed from denotes to means.

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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 ·