14
14
Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter III General Exceptions
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 yearsLegal DutyGeneral ExceptionsFollowing OrdersInfo
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say?
Section 14 of the BNS explains when actions are not considered a crime. It says if you do something because you are legally required to do it, it's not a crime.
Why does this law exist?
It protects people who are following the law. It ensures they are not punished for doing their duty.
Real-life impact
A soldier following orders is not committing a crime. A court officer arresting the wrong person, believing it's the right one, is also protected.
What happens if you break this law?
This section doesn't define a crime. It provides a defense if you are accused of a crime while following the law. This section replaces the old Section of IPC.
💡 Real Life Example
A police officer arrests a person because they believe they are following the law. If they made a mistake, they are protected by Section 14. They are not guilty of wrongful arrest. This protects them from legal trouble.
🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
- •Know when you are legally bound to act.
- •Understand the concept of 'good faith'.
- •Seek legal advice if unsure about your actions.
- •Document your actions to prove you were following the law.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 14 of BNS says that actions done under legal obligation are not crimes. If you are required by law to do something, or you believe in good faith you are, it's not an offense. This protects people following the law. This section replaces the old Section of IPC.
A soldier firing on a mob on orders is not committing a crime. A court officer arresting the wrong person, believing it's the right one, is also protected. They are following the law. This section replaces the old Section of IPC.
Sources & References
📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library
⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice
📚 Act Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replaces IPC)
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.
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