'Man' and 'woman' in the IPC only refer to adults.

Section 10 explicitly says these words include males and females 'of any age,' so children are covered too.

This section creates rights or offences on its own.

Section 10 only defines words; it doesn't itself create any crime or punishment—it helps interpret other sections that use 'man' or 'woman.'

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 10

repealed

Man and Woman

The word “man” denotes a male human being of any age; The word “woman” denotes a female human being of any age.§

Why this exists

The IPC, drafted in the 19th century, needed to fix precise meanings for common words so that offences involving 'men' or 'women' (like assault, kidnapping, or offences against women) would clearly apply regardless of the victim's or offender's age. Without this clarification, courts might have debated whether 'man' or 'woman' meant only adults, potentially leaving children unprotected under provisions meant to safeguard females or males generally.

Common misconceptions

Myth: 'Man' and 'woman' in the IPC only refer to adults.
Fact: Section 10 explicitly says these words include males and females 'of any age,' so children are covered too.
Myth: This section creates rights or offences on its own.
Fact: Section 10 only defines words; it doesn't itself create any crime or punishment—it helps interpret other sections that use 'man' or 'woman.'