Library/BNSS/Section 373
Section 373Procedural

Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind

Full Text

Whenever any person is acquitted upon the ground that, at the time at which he is alleged to have committed an offence, he was, by reason of unsoundness of mind, incapable of knowing the nature of the act alleged as constituting the offence, or that it was wrong or contrary to law, the finding shall state specifically whether he committed the act or not.

Plain English Summary

Requires the court to specifically record a finding on whether the act was committed by the accused when granting an acquittal on the grounds of insanity.

Key Legal Elements

  • Acquittal on grounds of insanity
  • Specific finding required on the commission of the act
  • Mental incapacity at the time of the offense

Practical Note

This finding is crucial because an acquittal on grounds of insanity doesn't mean the act didn't happen; it just means the accused lacked the necessary 'mens rea' or understanding.

हिंदी पाठ

जब भी किसी व्यक्ति को इस आधार पर दोषमुक्त किया जाता है कि जिस समय उसके द्वारा अपराध किया जाना कथित है, वह मन की अस्वस्थता के कारण अपराध गठित करने वाले कथित कार्य की प्रकृति जानने में असमर्थ था, या वह गलत या कानून के विपरीत था, तो निष्कर्ष में विशेष रूप से यह उल्लेख किया जाएगा कि उसने वह कार्य किया था या नहीं।