Indian Penal Code, 1860
IPC Section 84 in BNS
Act of a person of unsound mind. Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Act of a person of unsound mind) corresponds to Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Verify before you rely on this. Renumbering under the 2023 codes is not a clean one-to-one exercise — provisions were merged, split and reworded. Always check the printed bare act.
Where this sits in the exam
This provision is examined under IPC & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, worth 8 of the 100 marks in AIBE XXII. The paper permits bare acts but bans notes, so what matters is finding it quickly, not reciting the number.
Questions that turn on this section
Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason of unsoundness of mind is incapable of knowing the nature of the act. This is:
Answer & explanation
Section 22 BNS
BNS Section 22 corresponds to IPC Section 84 and embodies the M'Naghten rules. The burden of establishing the exception lies on the accused.
Sections either side of it
How the neighbouring provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 were renumbered:
| IPC | Provision | BNS |
|---|---|---|
| 81 | Act likely to cause harm done without criminal intent to prevent other harm | 19 |
| 82 | Act of a child under seven years of age | 20 |
| 83 | Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding | 21 |
| 85 | Act of a person incapable of judgment by intoxication caused against his will | 23 |
| 86 | Offence requiring particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated | 24 |
| 87 | Act not intended to cause death, done by consent | 25 |
Practise it
Cutoff has AIBE XXII questions on this area, each cited to both codes with a line telling you where to find it in the bare act. Ten questions per subject are free, no account needed.
Practise free Full IPC→BNS table