Section 98
of Penal Code
Section 98
When an act, which would otherwise be a certain offence is not that offence, by reason of the youth, the want of maturity of understanding, the unsoundness of mind. or the intoxication of the person doing that act, or by reason of any misconception on the part of that person, every person has the same right of private defence against that act which he would have if the act were that offence.
(a)
Z, under the influence of madness, attempts to kill A. Z is guilty of no offence; but A has the same right of private defence which he would have if Z were sane.
(b)
A enters by night a house which he is legally entitled to enter. Z, in good faith, taking A for a house-breaker, attacks A. Here, Z, by attacking A under this misconception, commits no offence; but A has the same right to private defence against Z, which he would have if Z were not acting under this misconception.
Acts against which there is no right of private defence and extent to which right may be exercised 99.
(1)
There is no right of private defence against an act which does not reasonably cause the apprehension of death or of grievous hurt, if done, or attempted to be done, by a public servant acting in good faith under colour of his office, though that act may not be strictly justifiable by law.
(2)
There is no right of private defence against an act which does not reasonably cause the apprehension of death or of grievous hurt, if done, or attempted to be done, by the direction of a public servant acting in good
Penal Code
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faith under colour of his office, though that direction may not be strictly justifiable by law.
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(3)
m e i s no righi-oyprivate defeni Gi cases in whlch there is time to have recourse to the protection of the public authorities.
(4)
The right of private defence in no case extends to the inflicting of more harm than it is necessary to inflict for the purpose of defence.
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Explanation 1 -
A person is not deprived of the right of private defence against an act done or attempted to be done by a public servant, as such, unless he knows or has reason to believe that the person doing the act is such public servant.
Explanation 2 -
A person is not deprived of the right of private defence against an act done or attempted to be done by the direction of a public servant unless he knows or has reason to believe that the person doing the act is acting by such direction, or unless such person states the authority under which he acts, or, if he has authority in writing, unless he produces such authority if demanded.