Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Chapter 3

General Exceptions

Section 17Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law.

Description

Nothing is an offence which is done by any person who is justified by law, or who by reason of a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith, believes himself to be justified by law, in doing it. Illustration. A sees Z commit what appears to A to be a murder. A, in the exercise, to the best of his judgment exerted in good faith, of the power which the law gives to all persons of apprehending murderers in the fact, seizes Z, in order to bring Z before the proper authorities. A has committed no offence, though it may turn out that Z was acting in self-defence.

📖 Understanding This Section

This section is part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Chapter 3 (General Exceptions). Legal provisions are subject to interpretation by courts and may be amended by legislation. For specific legal advice regarding this section, please consult a qualified legal professional.