IPC 100 vs BNS 100
● Retained in BNSWhen the right of private defense of the body extends to causing death
Section 100 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, defines the circumstances under which the right of private defense of the body may extend to causing death. This provision allows an individual to use lethal force legally if it is the only means to protect themselves or others from imminent threat of death or grievous harm.
Under IPC 100:
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The right arises when there is a reasonable apprehension of death or grievous injury,
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The act must be necessary and proportionate to prevent the harm,
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Lethal force is justified only under imminent danger,
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Protecting others in addition to oneself is also covered.
For example, if a person is attacked with a deadly weapon and lethal force is the only way to prevent death or serious injury, IPC 100 justifies defensive action. However, if non-lethal means are sufficient, causing death may not be justified.
IPC 100 balances the right to life with the need for self-defense, providing legal protection while ensuring that lethal force is used only in extreme, necessary circumstances. It forms the foundation for understanding the limits of self-defense involving potential loss of life.
When the right of private defense of the body extends to causing death
Section 100 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 100, retaining the principle that the right of private defense may extend to causing death in specific, extreme situations.
Under BNS 100:
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The right arises when there is a reasonable fear of death or grievous injury,
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Actions must be necessary, proportionate, and reasonable to prevent the harm,
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Lethal force is justified only under imminent threat,
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Protecting others in addition to oneself is included.
For instance, defending oneself or others from an armed attack where lethal force is the only means of protection is covered under BNS 100. Non-lethal alternatives must be considered before resorting to causing death.
By retaining IPC 100’s principles, BNS 100 ensures legal clarity and protection for individuals exercising extreme self-defense. It emphasizes proportionality, necessity, and imminence, balancing the right to life with the need to protect oneself or others in dire circumstances.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 100 to BNS BNS 100.