Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, a person of unsound mind (mental illness) is exempt from criminal responsibility under which section?
- A Section 20
- B Section 22
- C Section 18 ✓
- D Section 25
Correct answer: C. Section 18
Explanation
Section 18 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which corresponds to Section 84 of the old Indian Penal Code, exempts a person from criminal responsibility if at the time of the act they were incapable of knowing the nature of the act or knowing it was wrong due to unsoundness of mind. The defence requires proof that the mental incapacity existed at the precise time of committing the act.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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