CHAPTER IV GENERAL EXCEPTIONS · Of the Right of Private Defence

Section 96: Things done in private defence

Repealed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023) with effect from 1 July 2024.

Nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence.

Now in the BNS

As given in the correspondence table of the National Crime Records Bureau (Ministry of Home Affairs). Read both texts before relying on it. NCRB table

96. Things done in private defence.

BNS 34

Leading cases

Darshan Singh v. State of Punjab (2010)The appellant, who fired at his uncle after the uncle struck his father on the head with a gandasa and advanced on him, acted in private defence; the High Court wrongly reversed his acquittal.

Practise questions on Criminal Law