Section 14 Earlier IPC 76
Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
Chapter 3: General exceptions
Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is, 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, bound by law to do it.
Illustrations.
(a) A, a soldier, fires on a mob by the order of his superior officer, in conformity with the commands of the law. A has committed no offence.
(b) A, an officer of a Court, being ordered by that Court to arrest Y, and, after due enquiry, believing Z to be Y, arrests Z. A has committed no offence.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023). As printed in the Gazette on 25 December 2023. Later amendments, if any, are not included.
Related sections
- 15Act of Judge when acting judiciallyIPC 77
- 16Act done pursuant to judgment or order of CourtIPC 78
- 17Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by lawIPC 79
- 18Accident in doing a lawful actIPC 80
- 19Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harmIPC 81
- 20Act of a child under seven years of ageIPC 82