IPC Section 84
Here’s a detailed explanation of IPC Section 84:
📜 IPC Section 84: Act of a person of unsound mind
Text of Section 84, Indian Penal Code, 1860:
"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."
🔍 Explanation:
Section 84 provides a legal defense for persons of unsound mind who commit an offense. It is based on the principle that criminal liability requires intent (mens rea). If a person is mentally incapable of understanding their actions, they cannot be held legally responsible.
⚖️ Key Elements:
To claim protection under Section 84, the following must be proved:
The person was of unsound mind at the time of the act.
Because of that mental condition, the person:
Did not understand the nature of the act, or
Did not know that the act was wrong or illegal.
🧠 What is "unsoundness of mind"?
Refers to conditions like schizophrenia, severe psychosis, or mental retardation that impair judgment.
Temporary insanity may also qualify if it exists at the time of the offense.
📌 Important Notes:
The burden of proof is on the accused to prove insanity (usually by medical evidence or witness testimony).
Simply being mentally ill at some point before or after the crime is not enough—the insanity must exist at the exact time of the offense.
🧑⚖️ Landmark Case:
Dahyabhai Chhaganbhai Thakkar v. State of Gujarat (1964)
The Supreme Court held that if there is reasonable doubt about the accused's sanity at the time of the act, the benefit of doubt must go to the accused.
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