Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 18

BNS 18: earlier IPC 80

Section 18 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 80 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 18 deals with accident in doing a lawful act. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

BNS 18 was IPC 80.

Accident in doing a lawful act.

Carried over
Old wording kept in full
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. IV
s. 80
Accident in doing a lawful act
Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution.
Illustration A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. III
s. 18
Accident in doing a lawful act.
Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution.
Illustration.
A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.
Text from India Code
Related sectionsIPC 80 · Accident in doing a lawful act
BNS 17 · Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law.BNS 19 · Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm.

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