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Section 16 — Act done pursuant to judgment or order of Court
16
16
Act done pursuant to judgment or order of Court
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter III General Exceptions
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Legal ProceduresCourt OrdersGeneral Exceptions
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 16 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) says that if you do something because a court ordered it, it's not a crime. This is true even if the court didn't have the power to make that order, as long as you believed the court did have the power and acted in good faith.
Why does this law exist? This law protects people who follow court orders. It ensures that people can trust the legal system. It prevents them from being punished for doing what a court told them to do.
Real-life impact Imagine a court orders a bank to seize someone's assets. The bank follows the order. Even if the court later made a mistake, the bank is protected. This section helps people follow court orders without fear.
What happens if you break this law? This section doesn't create a crime. It protects you from being punished for following a court order. There is no punishment under this section.
💡 Real Life Example

A court orders a shop to close due to a dispute. The shop owner closes the shop as ordered. Later, it turns out the court made a mistake. The shop owner is not guilty of any crime for following the court order.

Rahul is ordered by the court to pay a debt. He pays the debt as ordered. Even if the court's decision is later overturned, Rahul is protected. He is not guilty.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Follow court orders in good faith.
  • •Seek legal advice if unsure about a court order.
  • •Understand that you are protected if you act on a court order, even if it's later found to be wrong.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 16 of BNS protects you if you do something because a court ordered it. It doesn't matter if the court made a mistake, as long as you believed the court had the authority and acted in good faith. This ensures people can trust and follow court orders without fear of punishment. This section replaces the old law.
No, there is no punishment under Section 16 of BNS. This section protects you from being punished for following a court order. It's about protecting actions taken in good faith based on court orders, not about creating new offenses or punishments. This section replaces the old law.
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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