IPC Section 83 — Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding

Summary

A child who is older than seven but younger than twelve will not be held responsible for an act if, at that time, the child did not have enough maturity or understanding to know what they were doing or what the results of their actions would be.

Official Text

Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve, who has not attained sufficient maturity or understanding to judge the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.

Related Judgments

• SALIL BALI vs UNION OF INDIA & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2013)
• HIRALAL MALLICK vs STATE OF BIHAR — Supreme Court of India (1977)
• Kumar; Ms.Priya; Hingorani; Mr.Akhand; Pratap; Mr.Chandra Bhushan Advo vs STATE — Delhi High Court (2017)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §21 — Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding