BNS Chapter III: General Exceptions

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Sections 14–44). Each links to its verbatim text.

• BNS14 Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
• BNS15 Act of Judge when acting judicially
• BNS16 Act done pursuant to judgment or order of Court
• BNS17 Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law
• BNS18 Accident in doing a lawful act
• BNS19 Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm
• BNS20 Act of a child under seven years of age
• BNS21 Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding
• BNS22 Act of a person of unsound mind
• BNS23 Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will
• BNS24 Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated
• BNS25 Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent
• BNS26 Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for person’s benefit
• BNS27 Act done in good faith for benefit of child or person of unsound mind, by, or by consent of guardian
• BNS28 Consent known to be given under fear or misconception
• BNS29 Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused
• BNS30 Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent
• BNS31 Communication made in good faith
• BNS32 Act to which a person is compelled by threats
• BNS33 Act causing slight harm
• BNS34 Things done in private defence
• BNS35 Right of private defence of body and of property
• BNS36 Right of private defence against act of a person of unsound mind, etc
• BNS37 Acts against which there is no right of private defence
• BNS38 When right of private defence of body extends to causing death
• BNS39 When such right extends to causing any harm other than death
• BNS40 Commencement and continuance of right of private defence of body
• BNS41 When right of private defence of property extends to causing death
• BNS42 When such right extends to causing any harm other than death
• BNS43 Commencement and continuance of right of private defence of property
• BNS44 Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person