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SECTION 89 IPC - Indian Penal Code - Act done in good faith for benefit of child or insane person, by or by consent of guardian


Last Updated: 01 Jan, 2025
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty


As per new Indian Criminal law, IPC Section 89 has been replaced with BNS Section 27 with effect from July 1, 2024.
(Words “insane person” are replaced with “person of unsound mind”.)

Please refer to BNS 27 for updated procedures & punishments.

Table of Contents
  1. IPC 89 in Simple Words
Nothing which is done in good faith for the benefit of a person under twelve years of age, or of unsound mind, by or by consent, either express or implied, of the guardian or other person having lawful charge of that person, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause, or be intended by the doer to cause or be known by the doer to be likely to cause to that person; Provided:
  1. That this exception shall not extend to the intentional causing of death, or to the attempting to cause death;
  2. That this exception shall not extend to the doing of anything which the person doing it knows to be likely to cause death, for any purpose other than the preventing of death or grievous hurt, or the curing of any grievous disease or infirmity;
  3. That this exception shall not extend to the voluntary causing of grievous hurt, or to the attempting to cause grievous hurt, unless it be for the purpose of preventing death or grievous hurt, or the curing of any grievous disease or infirmity;
  4. That this exception shall not extend to the abetment of any offence, to the committing of which offence it would not extend.



IPC 89 in Simple Words

In simple words, Section 89 of the Indian Penal Code states that certain acts done in good faith for the benefit of a child under twelve years of age or a person of unsound mind, with the consent of their guardian or lawful caretaker, are not considered offenses, except for certain specific circumstances.


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Frequently Asked Questions


What is IPC 89?

IPC Section 89 – Act done in good conscience for the benefit of a child or a person with mental illness, by or with consent of guardian


What is Section 90 of IPC?

The section 90 defines situations where the apparent consent of a person does not suffice for the purposes of the Code. The section should specifically mention consent gained by placing a person under hypnotic influence or any other form of occult control.


What is Section 87 IPC cases?

IPC Section 87 says that A person is not guilty of a crime if they are unaware that their actions can lead to death or grave injury. It is not an offence if it is done with consent from a person over 18 years old.


What is the IPC 88?

IPC Section 88 – Act done in good faith by consent, but not with intent to kill.