General explanations
What this section does
This section provides general explanatory rules applicable throughout the Sanhita. It clarifies that all offence definitions are subject to the General Exceptions chapter even when not expressly stated, that defined expressions carry the same meaning throughout, and that property held by a spouse, clerk, or servant is deemed in the principal's possession. It also codifies joint liability for common intention, liability for acts done with shared criminal knowledge, and the principle that cooperation in any one of several acts constituting an offence makes a person liable for the whole offence.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Practitioner note
Sub-section (5) codifies the common intention doctrine (equivalent to IPC s.34); sub-section (6) addresses common knowledge (equivalent to IPC s.35); sub-section (8) addresses cooperative acts (equivalent to IPC s.37). These principles are embedded here as general explanations rather than standalone sections.
Derived from IPC s.3.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 3, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 3 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.