IPC Section 80 — Accident in doing a lawful act

Summary

If something happens purely by accident or bad luck while you are doing a lawful act in a lawful way, using lawful methods and with proper care and caution, and you had no criminal intention or knowledge, then that act is not considered an offence. This means you are not held criminally responsible for an unintended outcome that occurred despite you acting lawfully and carefully.

Official Text

Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution.

Related Judgments

• M/S. CONTINENTAL CONSTRUCTION LTD v. STATE OF U.P. SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 — Supreme Court of India (S)
• HARBANS SINGH AND ANOTHER v. STATE OF PUNJAB — Supreme Court of India (S)
• VIJA YEE SINGH AND ORS. A v. STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH — Supreme Court of India (1990)
• S.C.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS 361 DAHY ABHAI CHHAGANBHAI THAKKER v. STATE OF GUJARAT — Supreme Court of India (1964)
• THE STATE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH v. RAMCHANDRA RABIDAS — Supreme Court of India (2019)
• .. Petitioner/Accused No.1 vs 1. State (S.I. of Police), — Madras High Court (2013)
• AGHNOO NAGESIA A v. STATE OF B — Supreme Court of India (1966)
• YASHWANT SINHA & ORS v. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION THROUGH ITS DIRECTOR & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2019)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §18 — Accident in doing a lawful act