Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding
What this section does
This section provides a general exception for children above seven but under twelve years of age who lack sufficient maturity of understanding to appreciate the nature and consequences of their conduct. An act done by such a child is not an offence. The defence is not automatic — it requires proof that the child had not attained sufficient maturity on that particular occasion.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Derived from IPC s.83.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 21, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 21 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.