Section 6
Definitions in Code to be understood subject to exceptions
of Penal Code
Throughout this Code, every definition of an offence, every penal provision. and every illustration of every such definition or penal provision, shall be understood subject to the exceptions contained in the chapter entitled
"General Exceptions". though those exceptions are not repeated in such definition, penal provision or illustration.
(a)
The sections in this Code which contain definitions of offences do not express that a child under the age of 7 years cannot commit such offences; but the definitions are to be understood subject to the general exception which provides that nothing shall be an offence which is done by a child under the age of 7 years.
(b)
A, a police officer without warrant apprehends Z, who has committed murder. Here,
A is not guilty of the offence of wrongful confinement, for he was bound by law to apprehend Z, and therefore the case falls within the general exception which provides that
"nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is bound by law to do it".
Sense of expression once explained 7.
Every expression which is explained in any part of this Code is used in every part of this Code in conformity with the explanation.
Gender 8.
The pronoun "he" and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female.
Number 9.
Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.