IPC to BNS
IPC Section 34 in BNS: Section 3(5)
Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) corresponds to Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Last updated 9 October 2026
IPC 34 and BNS 3(5) at a glance
| IPC (old) | BNS (new) | |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 34 | 3(5) |
| Heading | Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention | Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention |
| Punishment | No separate punishment. Each participant is punished for the offence actually committed. | No separate punishment. Each participant is punished for the offence actually committed. |
| Mapping | Direct equivalent | |
What IPC Section 34 covered
States the rule of joint liability: when a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of them is liable for that act as if he had done it alone. It is a rule of evidence and liability, not a separate offence.
What changed in BNS Section 3(5)
The wording is unchanged. In the BNS the rule sits inside Section 3 (General explanations) as sub-section (5), so charges now read, for example, Section 103(1) read with Section 3(5).
Punishment: IPC 34 compared with BNS 3(5)
The punishment is the same under both codes. No separate punishment. Each participant is punished for the offence actually committed.
Which law applies: IPC or BNS?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Read the full text of both provisions before you cite them. The official bare acts are published on India Code.
IPC 34: common questions
What is the new section for IPC 34?
IPC Section 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) corresponds to Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What is the punishment under BNS Section 3(5)?
No separate punishment. Each participant is punished for the offence actually committed.
Does IPC Section 34 still apply to older cases?
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. An offence committed before that date continues to be investigated, tried and punished under the IPC, because the repeal and savings clause in Section 358 of the BNS preserves liabilities and proceedings under the repealed Code.
Related IPC sections
- IPC 107 to BNS 45 · Abetment
- IPC 109 to BNS 49 · Punishment of abetment
- IPC 120A to BNS 61(1) · Criminal conspiracy
- IPC 120B to BNS 61(2) · Conspiracy punishment
- IPC 511 to BNS 62 · Attempt
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Not legal advice. This comparison is a research starting point. A mapped section is not proof that two provisions are identical. Read both bare acts, check commencement and any later amendment, and have a qualified advocate review anything you intend to rely on. Settl is not a law firm.