IPC Section 45: Meaning of Life and BNS Section 2(17)
Section 45 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 provided the legal meaning of the word "life". Its corresponding definition now appears in Section 2(17) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
What did IPC Section 45 say?
The word "life" denotes the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context.
This was a general definition used to interpret the word "life" throughout the IPC. It did not itself define a criminal offence or specify a punishment. The original uploaded webpage incorrectly repeated the definition of "injury" from IPC Section 44; that wording is not the text of Section 45.
Current provision: BNS Section 2(17)
"life" means the life of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the context;
Section 2 of the BNS collects statutory definitions. Clause (17) makes clear that a reference to "life" ordinarily concerns human life, while allowing a different meaning where the context expressly requires it. Read the official BNS text on India Code.
Legal significance of the definition
The definition assists in interpreting offences and other provisions that refer to human life. For example, criminal law distinguishes acts affecting life from those causing bodily hurt or damage to property. The exact elements of any offence must still be determined from the specific charging provision and its requirements.
Does "life" mean the same as "life imprisonment"?
No. Section 45 IPC and Section 2(17) BNS define the word "life"; neither provision independently fixes a prison term. Life imprisonment is a separate sentencing concept and ordinarily extends to the remainder of a convicted person's natural life, subject to lawful remission, commutation and applicable judicial directions. It must not automatically be equated with a fixed term of 14 years.
IPC repeal and application to earlier conduct
The BNS replaced the IPC with effect from 1 July 2024, subject to the commencement notification. Section 358 of the BNS repeals the IPC while preserving specified prior operations, liabilities, penalties, investigations and proceedings. Consequently, the law applicable to an alleged offence depends on the date of the conduct and the relevant saving and transitional provisions. A mere change of section number should not be treated as retrospective creation of an offence.
Related definitions
For related terms, see IPC Section 44: Injury, IPC Section 46: Death, and the IPC definitions and sections guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is life under IPC Section 45?
Life denotes the life of a human being unless the context requires a different interpretation.
What is the equivalent provision in the BNS?
Section 2(17) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines life.
Does IPC Section 45 prescribe a punishment?
No. It is an interpretative definition and does not create an offence or prescribe a sentence.
Is life imprisonment automatically limited to 14 years?
No. Life imprisonment ordinarily means imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, subject to applicable legal provisions on remission and commutation.
Official legal references
Updated: 28 October 2026. This article provides general legal information, not case-specific legal advice.