Act of a person of unsound mind
Full Text
22. Act of a person of unsound mind.
Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law.
Plain English Summary
This section defines the insanity defence, protecting persons of unsound mind from criminal liability if they cannot understand the nature or wrongfulness of their act.
Key Legal Elements
- The act must be done by a person of unsound mind.
- The unsoundness must exist at the time of doing the act.
- The unsoundness must make the person incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that they are doing what is wrong or contrary to law.
Practical Note
This replaces IPC Section 84. It codifies the famous M’Naghten Rules of English law. Legal insanity is required, which is different from mere medical insanity.
हिंदी पाठ
22. विकृतचित्त (अस्वस्थ दिमाग) व्यक्ति का कार्य।
कोई बात अपराध नहीं है, जो किसी ऐसे व्यक्ति द्वारा की जाए जो उसे करते समय, विकृतचित्तता (मानसिक अस्वस्थता) के कारण उस कार्य की प्रकृति जानने में, या यह जानने में असमर्थ हो कि वह जो कर रहा है वह गलत है या कानून के विपरीत है।