BNS · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 41 BNS

When right of private defence of property extends to causing death

Offence

The right of private defence of property extends, under the restrictions specified in section 37, to the voluntary causing of death or of any other harm to the wrong-doer, if the offence, the committing of which, or the attempting to commit which, occasions the exercise of the right, be an offence of any of the descriptions hereinafter enumerated, namely:—

(a) robbery;

(b) house-breaking after sunset and before sunrise;

(c) mischief by fire or any explosive substance committed on any building, tent or vessel, which building, tent or vessel is used as a human dwelling, or as a place for the custody of property;

(d) theft, mischief, or house-trespass, under such circumstances as may reasonably cause apprehension that death or grievous hurt will be the consequence, if such right of private defence is not exercised.

Punishment summary

  • Punishment may include death.
← Sec. 40 All sections Sec. 42 →

FAQ — Section 41 BNS

Section 41 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) deals with “When right of private defence of property extends to causing death”. This page explains the offence (if any), punishment, and links to Vaksera petition formats.

The right of private defence of property extends, under the restrictions specified in section 37, to the voluntary causing of death or of any other harm to the wrong-doer, if the offence, the committing of which, or the attempting to commit which, occasions the exercise of the right, be an offence of any of the descriptions hereinafter enumerated, namely:— (a) robbery; (b) house-breaking after sunset and before sunrise; (c) mischief by fire or any explosive substance committed on any building

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.