September 13, 2026

Section 18 – Accident in Doing a Lawful Act | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Chapter III – General Exceptions

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.