IPC Section 81 — Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm

Summary

An act that is done in good faith to prevent or avoid harm to a person or property is not an offence just because the person knew it was likely to cause some harm, as long as there was no criminal intention to cause that harm.

Official Text

Nothing is an offence merely by reason of its being done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause harm, if it be done without any criminal intention to cause harm, and in good faith for the purpose of preventing or avoiding other harm to person or property.

Related Judgments

• SC (2018) Vol.6 p.1 — Supreme Court of India (2018)
• ... Petitioners/Accused vs Rev.Dr.Colin L.Raymond — Madras High Court (2011)
• .. Appellant vs State rep. By — Madras High Court (2011)
• https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/ vs The Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court (2004)
• : Petitioner vs 1.The State rep. by the — Madras High Court ()
• ... Petitioner vs 1.State Through the Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court ()
• DATTA AMBO ROKADE v. THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA — Supreme Court of India (2019)
• S.C.R. 268 RAJ SINGH v. STATE OF HARYANA ETC — Supreme Court of India (2015)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §19 — Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm