BNS · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 18 BNS

Accident in doing a lawful act

Offence

Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution. Illustration. A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.

← Sec. 17 All sections Sec. 19 →

FAQ — Section 18 BNS

Section 18 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) deals with “Accident in doing a lawful act”. This page explains the offence (if any), punishment, and links to Vaksera petition formats.

Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution. Illustration. A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.

No. Vaksera provides a drafting reference and petition formats only. Always verify the current bare act and local court practice.

Statute summaries on Vaksera are for advocate drafting reference only, not legal advice. Verify the current bare act and court rules before filing.