Section 45

The IPC has a set of definition sections (Sections 6-52A) that fix the meaning of common words used throughout the Code, so that courts and citizens don't have to guess what a term means every time it appears. Section 45 clarifies that 'life' in criminal law contexts (like offences affecting life, such as murder or culpable homicide) refers to human life, not the life of animals or plants, unless a particular section says otherwise. This avoids ambiguity in serious offences where 'life' is central to the charge.

Courts have generally applied this definition straightforwardly, using it to confirm that offences like murder (Section 300) and culpable homicide (Section 299) apply only to acts causing the death of a human being. The 'unless contrary appears from context' clause allows courts to interpret 'life' differently in specific provisions if the law clearly intends a broader or narrower meaning, though such departures are rare and closely tied to the specific statutory language.

• Myth: The word 'life' in the IPC could mean any living thing, including animals or plants.
  Fact: Section 45 clarifies that 'life' means human life unless the specific context of a provision shows otherwise.