Act of a person of unsound mind
What this section does
This section provides a complete defence for a person of unsound mind who, at the time of the act, was incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that it was wrong or contrary to law. The incapacity must exist at the moment of the act and must be caused by unsoundness of mind. It is a general exception that negates criminal liability entirely.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Derived from IPC s.84.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 22, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 22 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.