Section 20PopularSubstantive
Act of a child under seven years of age
Full Text
20. Act of a child under seven years of age.
Nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.
Plain English Summary
This section establishes that a child under the age of seven years cannot be held criminally liable for any act.
Key Legal Elements
- Applies to a child under the age of seven years.
- Establishes an absolute immunity from criminal liability (doli incapax).
Practical Note
This replaces IPC Section 82. It represents the absolute presumption of doli incapax (incapable of crime), meaning no evidence can be presented to show the child had capacity to commit a crime.
हिंदी पाठ
20. सात वर्ष से कम आयु के बच्चे का कार्य।
कोई बात अपराध नहीं है जो सात वर्ष से कम आयु के बच्चे द्वारा की जाती है।