IPC Section 84 — Act of a person of unsound mind

Summary

If a person is unable to understand what they are doing, or that it is wrong or against the law, because of a mental condition at that moment, then their action is not considered an offence. This rule applies only if the person was of unsound mind at the exact time they performed the act.

Official Text

Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law.

Related Judgments

• SURENDERA MISHRA vs STATE OF JHARKHAND — Supreme Court of India (2011)
• PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN vs STATE OF GOA — Supreme Court of India (2023)
• CHUNNI BAI vs STATE OF CHHATTISGARH — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• STATE OF RAJASTHAN vs SHERA RAM @ VISHNU DUTTA — Supreme Court of India (2011)
• PREM SINGH vs STATE OF NCT OF DELHI — Supreme Court of India (2023)
• LAKHAN SINGH vs AMARJEET SINGH & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2022)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §22 — Act of a person of unsound mind