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

• SUKHDEV SINGH vs DELHI STATE (GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI) — Supreme Court of India (2003)
• K. M. NANAVATI vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA — Supreme Court of India (1961)
• VIJAYEE SINGH AND ORS. vs STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH — Supreme Court of India (1990)
• The State of Maharashtra vs Nazir Javed Khan & Ors — Bombay High Court (Mumbai Principal Seat) (2019)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §18 — Accident in doing a lawful act