Indian Penal Code, 1860
IPC Section 37 in BNS
Co-operation by doing one of several acts constituting an offence. Section 37 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Co-operation by doing one of several acts constituting an offence) corresponds to Section 3(8) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Verify before you rely on this. Renumbering under the 2023 codes is not a clean one-to-one exercise — provisions were merged, split and reworded. Always check the printed bare act.
Where this sits in the exam
This provision is examined under IPC & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, worth 8 of the 100 marks in AIBE XXII. The paper permits bare acts but bans notes, so what matters is finding it quickly, not reciting the number.
Questions that turn on this section
Acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention are dealt with under:
Answer & explanation
Section 3(5) BNS
BNS Section 3(5) corresponds to IPC Section 34. It is a rule of evidence creating joint liability; it does not create a substantive offence.
Common intention under Section 3(5) BNS requires:
Answer & explanation
A prior meeting of minds, however sudden, before the act is committed
The distinction from common object: § 3(5) needs a shared intention; unlawful assembly needs only a shared object and five persons.
Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are given below. Decide whether each is true, and if so whether (R) correctly explains (A). Assertion (A): A person cannot claim the right of private defence against an act of a public servant acting in good faith under colour of his office. Reason (R): The right of private defence does not extend to an act that does not reasonably cause the apprehension of death or grievous hurt.
Answer & explanation
Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Both are true but they are separate rules. The bar on defence against a public servant is in § 37 BNS; the apprehension test in § 38 governs when death may be caused. Neither explains the other.
Sections either side of it
How the neighbouring provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 were renumbered:
| IPC | Provision | BNS |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention | 3(5) |
| 38 | Persons concerned in criminal act may be guilty of different offences | 3(9) |
| 53 | Punishments | 4 |
| 64 | Sentence of imprisonment for non-payment of fine | 8 |
Practise it
Cutoff has AIBE XXII questions on this area, each cited to both codes with a line telling you where to find it in the bare act. Ten questions per subject are free, no account needed.
Practise free Full IPC→BNS table