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SECTION 79 IPC - Indian Penal Code - Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself, justified, by law


Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2024
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty


As per new Indian Criminal law, IPC Section 79 has been replaced with BNS Section 17 with effect from July 1, 2024.

Please refer to BNS 17 for updated procedures & punishments.

Table of Contents
  1. IPC 79 in Simple Words
Nothing is an offence which is done by any person who is justified by law, or who by reason of a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith, believes himself to be justified by law, in doing it.



IPC 79 in Simple Words

In simple words, Section 79 of the Indian Penal Code states that no offense is committed if a person acts under the belief that their actions are justified by law, even if it later turns out to be a mistake of fact, not a mistake of law.


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Frequently Asked Questions


What is IPC section 79?

Description. It is not an offense if a person believes that they are justified in their actions by the law or by mistaken fact, and not a mistake in law.


What is difference between Section 76 and 79 of IPC?

Section 76 is for those cases in which a person, out of good faith and due to a mistake or ignorance of the facts, believes that he has a legal obligation to perform an act. In contrast, section 79 is for those cases in which a person, because of a factual error, feels justified to perform an act.


What is Section 78 in IPC?

A person who does an act in good faith, but in accordance with a judgment or order of a Court of Justice that is still in effect, commits treason.


What is Section 80 of IPC?

Section 80: Accidents in performing a legal act It is not an offense to do a lawful action in a legal manner, using lawful methods and exercising proper care and caution. 31 Oct 2022