Definitions
What this section does
This section provides definitions of key terms used throughout the Sanhita, including 'act', 'animal', 'child', 'counterfeit', 'court', 'document', 'dishonestly', 'fraudulently', 'good faith', 'harbour', 'injury', 'illegal', 'judge', 'person', 'public servant', and others. The definitions govern interpretation of all provisions unless the context otherwise requires. Notable inclusions are electronic and digital records within the definition of 'document', and transgender persons within the gender-neutral pronoun usage.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Practitioner note
The definition of 'child' (below 18 years) is new and explicit. 'Document' now expressly includes electronic and digital records. The gender explanation incorporates the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. The definition of 'offence' in clause (24) has a nuanced scope that varies by chapter and section.
Derived from IPC s.2.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 2, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 2 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.