Section 48 IPC - Meaning of Vessel

Section 48 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 defined the word "vessel" for purposes of the Code. It covered anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or property.

Section 48 of the Indian Penal Code 1860

Section 48 - Vessel.

The word "vessel" denotes anything made for the conveyance by water of human beings or of property.

Meaning of Vessel Under Section 48 IPC

The definition focuses on the purpose for which an object is made. For IPC purposes, an object falls within the definition of "vessel" when it is made for conveyance by water of human beings or property.

Key point: Section 48 expressly covers water conveyance of either human beings or property. The definition is not confined in its wording to passenger transport.

Elements of the Definition

The statutory language contains three central features:

there must be something made for conveyance;
the conveyance must be by water; and
the conveyance may be of human beings or property.

These elements provide the general IPC meaning of the expression. The substantive provision in which "vessel" appears must still be read according to its own wording and ingredients.

Conveyance of Human Beings or Property

Section 48 expressly recognizes both persons and property as subjects of conveyance. Accordingly, the statutory definition is framed around the function of water transport rather than only the carriage of persons.

Element	Section 48 requirement
Object	Anything made for conveyance
Mode	Conveyance by water
What may be conveyed	Human beings or property

Section 48 Is a General Definition

Section 48 did not itself create an offence or prescribe punishment. Its purpose was to provide a defined meaning for "vessel" when that expression was used elsewhere in the Indian Penal Code.

Any criminal liability involving a vessel depended on the applicable substantive IPC provision and the facts necessary to satisfy its ingredients.

Relationship with Nearby IPC Definitions

Section 48 forms part of the IPC's general definitions. It follows Section 47, which defined "animal," and precedes Section 49 concerning "year" and "month." These provisions clarify recurring expressions used throughout the Code.

Related General Definitions in the IPC

Section	Subject
Section 45	Life
Section 46	Death
Section 47	Animal
Section 48	Vessel
Section 49	Year and month
Section 50	Section
Section 51	Oath

Pre-BNS Legal Context

This article explains Section 48 in the framework of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 before implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. For a matter governed by the IPC, the definition of "vessel" must be read together with the substantive provision in which the expression is used.

Note: This article provides general legal information about Section 48 IPC and is not a substitute for legal advice in an individual matter.