IPC Section 102 — Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of the body

Summary

The right to defend your own body starts as soon as you have a reasonable fear that someone is about to harm you, even if the actual attack has not yet happened. This right lasts only as long as that reasonable fear of harm continues.

Official Text

The right of private defence of the body commences as soon as a reasonable apprehension of danger to the body arises from an attempt or threat to commit the offence though the offence may not have been committed; and it continues as long as such apprehension of danger to the body continues.

Related Judgments

• MANJEET SINGH v. STATE OF HIMACHAL 801 PRADESH — Supreme Court of India (2014)
• DEO NARAIN v. U.P. STATE — Supreme Court of India (1973)
• S.C.R. 1136 1136 EX. CT. MAHADEV v. THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, BOARDER SECURITY FORCE & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2022)
• S.C.R. 373 SIKANDAR SINGH & ORS v. STATE OF BIHAR — Supreme Court of India (2010)
• S.C.R. 855 MADAN AND ORS v. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH — Supreme Court of India (2008)
• S.C.R. 289 I ARUN A v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA C — Supreme Court of India (2009)
• JESU ASIR SINGH AND ORS v. STA TE THROUGH INSPECTOR OF POLICE AUGUST 20, 2007 B — Supreme Court of India (2007)
• S.C.R. 412 A SANTOKH SINGH v. STATE OF PUNJAB C — Supreme Court of India (2009)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §40 — Commencement and continuance of right of private defence of body