Section 9 IPC: Number

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 9 IPC at a Glance

Section 9 IPC sets the rule that, unless the context shows otherwise, words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 2(22) BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 9 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 2(22) →

Section 9 IPC Bare Act Text

9. Number

Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

Source: Section 9, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 9 IPC in Simple Words

Section 9 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) establishes a rule of construction regarding grammatical number. It provides that unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

Under this rule, statutory references to a single act, person, or object extend to multiple instances unless specifically excluded by the legislative context. Section 9 IPC is an interpretative definition 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 9 IPC

  • Words importing the singular number include the plural number
  • Words importing the plural number include the singular number
  • Application operates unless the contrary appears from the context

Punishment Under Section 9 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 9 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None. Section 9 IPC creates no offence.

Section 9 IPC establishes that singular includes plural and plural includes singular. It defines no offence and has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 9 IPC

In 2018 in Kochi, Arjun worked as an accountant for a firm owned by two brothers, Deepak and Vivek. Arjun wilfully falsified a single entry in one ledger to hide losses caused to both owners. He contended that the relevant provision of the Indian Penal Code referred to an employer in the singular and to books and accounts in the plural, whereas he worked for two employers and altered only one book. Because no contrary intention appeared from the context, the singular word employer included both owners and the plural word books included the single ledger under Section 9 IPC.

When Section 9 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 9 IPC does not apply where the context of a provision in the Code shows that only a single person or thing, or only a plural number, is intended.
  • Section 9 IPC does not apply to interpret words in a separate statute that provides its own rule of grammatical number.
  • Section 9 IPC does not apply as an independent criminal charge because it is strictly an interpretative rule and creates no offence.

Section 9 IPC in the BNS

Section 9 IPC is now covered under Section 2(22) BNS.

Section 9 IPC corresponds to Section 2(22) BNS. Section 2(22) BNS preserves the rule of construction on grammatical number verbatim, concluding with a semicolon as part of the consolidated definitions section. Words in the singular continue to include the plural and vice versa unless excluded by statutory context.

View detailed comparison (IPC 9 vs BNS 2(22)) →

FAQs on Section 9 IPC

What does Section 9 IPC say?▼

Section 9 IPC provides that unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

When does the rule in Section 9 IPC not apply?▼

The rule does not apply when the context of a specific penal provision clearly indicates that only a single person, act, or object is contemplated.

Does Section 9 IPC define an offence or prescribe punishment?▼

Section 9 IPC defines no offence and prescribes no punishment. It is a general rule of statutory interpretation for the Code.

Is Section 9 IPC bailable or cognizable?▼

Section 9 IPC has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC because it creates no substantive offence.

Can proceedings be compounded under Section 9 IPC?▼

Compounding under Section 320 CrPC does not apply to Section 9 IPC because it prescribes no offence.

Which provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita corresponds to Section 9 IPC?▼

Section 2(22) BNS corresponds to Section 9 IPC, retaining the identical statutory language.

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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 ·