Section 63 IPC: Amount of fine

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 63 IPC at a Glance

Section 63 IPC deals with amount of fine. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 8(1) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 63 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 8(1) →

Section 63 IPC Bare Act Text

63. Amount of fine

Where no sum is expressed to which a fine may extend, the amount of fine to which the offender is liable is unlimited, but shall not be excessive.

Source: Section 63, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 63 IPC in Simple Words

Section 63 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with a fine for which no sum is expressed. Where no sum is expressed to which a fine may extend, the amount of fine to which the offender is liable is unlimited, but it shall not be excessive. The section creates no offence and sets no punishment of its own.

Ingredients of Section 63 IPC

  • No sum is expressed to which a fine may extend
  • The offender is liable to a fine
  • The amount of the fine is unlimited
  • The amount shall not be excessive

Punishment Under Section 63 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 63 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 63 IPC is a general rule on fines. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 63 IPC

In 2017 in Ranchi, Shantanu was convicted of extortion, an offence under the Code that made him liable to a fine without expressing any maximum sum to which the fine could extend. Because no upper figure was stated in the provision punishing extortion, the sentencing Court had to fix the amount of the fine. The Court imposed a fine of fifty thousand rupees, which was not excessive. Because no sum was expressed, the fine to which Shantanu was liable was unlimited but could not be excessive under Section 63 IPC.

When Section 63 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 63 IPC does not apply when the provision punishing the offence expressly states the maximum sum to which the fine may extend.
  • Section 63 IPC does not allow a court to impose a fine that is excessive, even when no maximum sum is expressed.
  • Section 63 IPC does not apply when the offender is not liable to a fine for the offence.

Section 63 IPC in the BNS

Section 63 IPC is now covered under Section 8(1) BNS.

Section 8(1) BNS keeps the rule in the same words. It is the first of the numbered parts of Section 8(1) BNS, which also takes in Sections 64 to 70 IPC.

View detailed comparison (IPC 63 vs BNS 8(1)) →

FAQs on Section 63 IPC

What does Section 63 IPC say?▼

That where no sum is expressed to which a fine may extend, the amount of fine to which the offender is liable is unlimited, but shall not be excessive.

Is there a ceiling on a fine under Section 63 IPC?▼

No fixed sum. The amount is unlimited, but it shall not be excessive.

Does Section 63 IPC apply where the offence section states a sum?▼

No. It applies where no sum is expressed to which the fine may extend.

Does Section 63 IPC create an offence?▼

No. It is a rule on the amount of a fine and sets no punishment.

What is the BNS equivalent of Section 63 IPC?▼

Section 8(1) BNS, in the same words.

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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 ·