A court finds that a 40-year-old man committed murder while of unsound mind and therefore cannot be held criminally responsible. What is the correct legal consequence under Indian law?

• A He must be unconditionally discharged since he bears no criminal responsibility
• B His family assumes legal guardianship and the case is closed without further court oversight
• C He serves a reduced sentence proportionate to his degree of mental impairment
• D The court orders him to be kept in safe custody in the manner the State Government directs, usually in a psychiatric facility ✓

Explanation

Under the statutory scheme following an acquittal on grounds of unsoundness of mind, the court does not release the accused automatically. It orders detention in safe custody at a place the State Government directs, typically a psychiatric hospital, with periodic review by the appropriate authorities. Option A is wrong because public safety considerations govern disposal, not immediate freedom. India does not recognise a verdict of guilty but mentally ill with a reduced sentence, which eliminates option C.

Reference: A Short Textbook of Psychiatry, Niraj Ahuja, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.