Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 101 → BNS 39: Defense of Body (Not Death)

IPC Section 101 (Defense of Body (Not Death)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 39 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

101

Defense of Body (Not Death)

When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

New Law — BNS 2023

39

Defense of Body (Not Death)

Punishment / Liability

N/A - General Exception

Key Change / Note

Section number changed, principle same

Facing a case under BNS 39?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 39.

What changed for IPC 101?

IPC 101 (Defense of Body (Not Death)) — when such right extends to causing any harm other than death — now maps to BNS Section 39. Key change: Section number changed, principle same. Punishment under BNS 39: N/A - General Exception.

Quick Summary: IPC 101 vs BNS 39

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 101 (Defense of Body (Not Death)) is among the offences re-enacted by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which reorganises and renumbers the old Indian Penal Code while keeping the core ingredients intact. Defense of Body (Not Death) now maps to BNS 39, and the position below reflects the current bare act.

What did IPC 101 cover?

IPC 101 dealt with defense of body (not death) — when such right extends to causing any harm other than death. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 39: What changed in the new law?

Section number changed, principle same. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to defense of body (not death) are filed under BNS Section 39, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 39

N/A - General Exception

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: For defense of body (not death), cite the current provision BNS 39 rather than the repealed IPC 101 in all matters arising on or after 1 July 2024.
Police officers: Register new defense of body (not death) FIRs under BNS 39; procedure follows the BNSS.
Law students & citizens: Use the IPC 101 to BNS 39 mapping when checking your position on defense of body (not death) under the new law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 101?

IPC Section 101 (Defense of Body (Not Death)) is now covered under Section 39 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 39?

N/A - General Exception

What is the key difference between IPC 101 and BNS 39?

Section number changed, principle same

Is IPC 101 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 was repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 on 1 July 2024. The defense of body (not death) offence earlier in IPC 101 is now governed by BNS 39 — pending IPC 101 cases continue, but new FIRs cite BNS 39.