Words referring to acts include illegal omissions
Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 deals with words referring to acts include illegal omissions. In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions. The Act came into force on 01 Jan 1862. Repealed by section 358 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023) with effect from 1 July 2024, but conduct before that date is still charged, tried and appealed under it.
In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.
Section 32, The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Act 45 of 1860).
Now in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
BNS 3 General explanations Close, with changes 70%
Measured by comparing the text of the two provisions, not taken from an official correspondence table — there is no machine-readable one. See both texts side by side before relying on it.
Both regimes are live. The repealed enactment still governs what happened while it was in force. We never redirect one to the other.
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
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Padmini vs State Rep.by
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
When a vehicle is seized in connection with a criminal investigation and formal confiscation proceedings are initiated with proper notice to the owner, the owner's remedy for recovery of the property is not through a return of property petition in the criminal court, but through substantiating her claim before the confiscation authority in accordance with the statutory procedure prescribed under Section 14(4) of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act. The confiscation authority is obligated to provide the owner an opportunity to be heard and to pass orders on the merits of the claim.
On this section: Offence cited in the criminal case registration; specific provision not detailed in the order
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Judgments citing this section
These may be obiter dicta or a precedent, for you to study. These are the judgments where this section is quoted.
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… Puram. By the impugned chargesheet the appellants/accused in criminal appeal nos. @ SLP(Crl.)No.7969 of 2018 and SLP(Crl.)No.8008 of 2018 are sought to be prosecuted for the offences under Sections 336 and 338 read with Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short IPC) and Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 [hereinafter referred as 'COTPA 2003']. 5. Initially, crime in FIR No.390 of 2013 on the file of Police Station, R.K. …
Questions about Section 32
What have the courts held on Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code?
Padmini vs State Rep.by (12 Sep 2024) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: Offence cited in the criminal case registration; specific provision not detailed in the order.
How do I find court cases under Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: IPC 32, section 32 IPC, section 32 of the Indian Penal Code. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with Padmini vs State Rep.by (12 Sep 2024).
What should I read with Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code, and has it changed?
For anything done on or after 1 July 2024 the provision to read is BNS 3 (General explanations), which replaced it; conduct before that date is still charged, tried and appealed under this section.
When did Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code come into force?
Section 32 of the Indian Penal Code, cited as IPC 32, came into force on 01 Jan 1862, having been enacted on 06 Oct 1860. It is no longer in force.
Other sections of this Act
- 499. Defamation1512 words
- 464. Making a false document1223 words
- 300. Murder1172 words
- 378. Theft980 words
- 108. Abettor745 words
- 403. Dishonest misappropriation of property727 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Recovered from the consolidated text published by India Code (item 7b7d4fe6-206b-4e33-81f1-b98b018acaf6). This page is not a substitute for legal advice.