BNS 18 — Accident in doing a lawful act.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Statutory text

18. 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.
Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to
prevent other harm.

Back to BNS