IPC Section 14 vs BNS Section 14 – From Government Servant to Public Servant
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Section: IPC 14
Definition of “Servant of Government”
About IPC Section
Section 14 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, defines the term “servant of Government.” It states that a person is a servant of the Government if they are in the service or pay of the Government, or if they are entrusted with performing a public duty by the Government.
This section is important because several offences in the IPC specifically involve government servants—for example, offences of bribery, corruption, or disobedience of law by a public official. Without this definition, there would be uncertainty over who qualifies as a government servant.
The definition includes not just permanent employees of the Government but also individuals temporarily assigned duties on behalf of the Government. For instance, contractors, officials entrusted with government property, or even those working in government-run organizations can be treated as “servants of Government” under this provision.
The section ensures accountability by clarifying that anyone holding a position of public trust or responsibility under Government authority falls within this category. This broad scope has helped courts apply anti-corruption and misconduct provisions effectively against a wide range of public officials.
Section: BNS 14
Definition of “Public Servant” under BNS
About BNS Section
Section 14 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, updates the IPC definition of “servant of Government” into the more modern and comprehensive term “public servant.” It states that a “public servant” includes anyone in the service or pay of the Government, any local authority, statutory body, or anyone lawfully discharging a public duty.
This expanded definition makes the law more aligned with today’s governance structure. Unlike IPC 14, which focused mainly on “servant of Government,” BNS 14 recognizes that public duties are now performed not only by central or state government employees but also by officials in municipal bodies, statutory corporations, public sector undertakings, and other government-backed institutions.
The modernization of terminology from “servant of Government” to “public servant” reflects India’s constitutional and administrative development since independence. It strengthens accountability by ensuring that corruption, misuse of power, or dereliction of duty by anyone discharging public functions—whether directly employed by the Government or through statutory authorities—falls within the criminal law framework.
Thus, BNS 14 retains the principle of IPC 14 but broadens its scope, making it more relevant to India’s present administrative and governance structure.