Section 7 IPC: Sense of expression once explained

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 7 IPC at a Glance

Section 7 IPC deals with sense of expression once explained. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 3(2) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 7 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 3(2) →

Section 7 IPC Bare Act Text

7. Sense of expression once explained

Every expression which is explained in any part of this Code, is used in every part of this Code in conformity with the explanation.

Source: Section 7, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 7 IPC in Simple Words

Section 7 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) establishes a rule of consistency across the Code. It provides that every expression which is explained in any part of the Code is used in every part of the Code in conformity with that explanation.

Once a term is defined or explained within the enactment, that meaning attaches to the expression wherever it appears throughout the statutory text. Section 7 IPC is an interpretive provision that defines 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 7 IPC

  • An expression is explained in any part of the Code
  • The expression is used in every part of the Code in conformity with that explanation

Punishment Under Section 7 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 7 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None. Section 7 IPC creates no offence.

Section 7 IPC establishes uniform meaning for expressions explained in the Code. It defines no offence and has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 7 IPC

In 2022, Naveen altered the rent figures on a signed lease deed in Mysuru to deceive his landlord Tarun. During the trial, the court examined whether the altered lease deed was a valuable security. Because the expression valuable security was explained in the general explanations part of the Indian Penal Code, that expression as used in every other part of the Code, including the provisions on forgery, carried the meaning in conformity with that explanation under Section 7 IPC.

When Section 7 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 7 IPC does not apply to a word or phrase that has not been explained in any part of the Indian Penal Code.
  • Section 7 IPC does not govern the interpretation of expressions used in separate enactments outside the Indian Penal Code.
  • Section 7 IPC does not create a substantive offence or prescribe any penalty.

Section 7 IPC in the BNS

Section 7 IPC is now covered under Section 3(2) BNS.

Section 7 IPC corresponds to Section 3(2) BNS. Section 3(2) BNS preserves the rule of uniform interpretation across the enactment, substituting this Sanhita for this Code and capitalising the word Part. Expressions defined in the Sanhita retain their statutory meaning throughout all provisions.

View detailed comparison (IPC 7 vs BNS 3(2)) →

FAQs on Section 7 IPC

What does Section 7 IPC say?▼

Section 7 IPC provides that every expression which is explained in any part of the Code, is used in every part of the Code in conformity with the explanation.

What is the practical purpose of Section 7 IPC?▼

Section 7 IPC guarantees consistency across the penal statute, preventing defined terms from being assigned varying or conflicting meanings in different sections.

Does Section 7 IPC define an offence or prescribe punishment?▼

Section 7 IPC defines no offence and prescribes no punishment. It is an internal rule of construction for reading the provisions of the Code.

Is Section 7 IPC bailable or cognizable?▼

Section 7 IPC has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC because it creates no offence.

Can proceedings be compounded under Section 7 IPC?▼

Compounding under Section 320 CrPC does not apply to Section 7 IPC because it prescribes no offence.

Which provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita corresponds to Section 7 IPC?▼

Section 3(2) BNS corresponds to Section 7 IPC, maintaining identical interpretive rules under the new Sanhita.

Have questions about Section 7 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 ·