Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 76 → BNS 14: Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)

IPC Section 76 (Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 14 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

76

Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)

Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law

New Law — BNS 2023

14

Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)

Punishment / Liability

N/A - General Exception

Key Change / Note

Section number changed, principle same

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What changed for IPC 76?

IPC 76 (Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)) — act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law — now maps to BNS Section 14. Key change: Section number changed, principle same. Punishment under BNS 14: N/A - General Exception.

Quick Summary: IPC 76 vs BNS 14

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 76 (Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)) 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. Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law) now maps to BNS 14, and the position below reflects the current bare act.

What did IPC 76 cover?

IPC 76 dealt with mistake of fact (bound by law) — act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law. 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 14: What changed in the new law?

Section number changed, principle same. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to mistake of fact (bound by law) are filed under BNS Section 14, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 14

N/A - General Exception

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: For mistake of fact (bound by law), cite the current provision BNS 14 rather than the repealed IPC 76 in all matters arising on or after 1 July 2024.
Police officers: Register new mistake of fact (bound by law) FIRs under BNS 14; procedure follows the BNSS.
Law students & citizens: Use the IPC 76 to BNS 14 mapping when checking your position on mistake of fact (bound by law) under the new law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 76?

IPC Section 76 (Mistake of Fact (Bound by Law)) is now covered under Section 14 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 14?

N/A - General Exception

What is the key difference between IPC 76 and BNS 14?

Section number changed, principle same

Is IPC 76 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 mistake of fact (bound by law) offence earlier in IPC 76 is now governed by BNS 14 — pending IPC 76 cases continue, but new FIRs cite BNS 14.