What is full form of SP in Indian standard code?

With reference to the Bureau of Indian Standards BIS, the term ‘SP’ refers to “Special Publication.” The Special Publications are general guidelines and or ready reference books, unlike the IS codes. The BIS codes have to be practiced without fail and are abide by the law. It is similar to ISI Mark- Indian Standard Institute of Bureau of Indian Standards. At the same time, the Special Publications are not codes and not bonded by law.
So when a building is designed and constructed, it has to conform to necessary and sufficient IS standards and codes. For illustration, the general code of practice for RCC buildings is IS 456:2000, the Code of practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete. That means the building has got the ISI Mark of IS 456:200 and abides by the law. The buildings which are constructed without conforming to IS Codes are unlawful.

Whereas, the IS SP 34: HANDBOOK ON CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT AND DETAILING (WITH AMENDMENT 1) is just a guideline on reinforcement detailing. This aids as an enhancement in designing and detailing of rebar. Not following these guidelines doesn’t put anyone behind bars and doesn’t abide by the law. It is left with the conciseness of the designer and executor of building whether to follow the Special Publication guidelines or not. However, as a good engineering practice, everyone in the construction industry follows the Special Publication guidelines without fail.