Section 18

Accident in doing a lawful act.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

  • Act 45 of 2023
  • Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Department of Internal Security
About this Act

An Act to consolidate and amend the provisions relating to offences and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

All sections

Chapter III: General exceptions Sections 14 to 44

    Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution.
    Illustration.
    A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.

Source: India Code (Legislative Department, Govt. of India). Check the official Gazette before relying on it in court. Not legal advice. Free legal aid: 15100 (NALSA) · Know your rights

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