Penal Code
2008 Ed.
CAP. 224
46
Act of a person of unsound mind
84. 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, or that he is doing what is either wrong
or contrary to law.
[Indian PC 1860, s. 84]
Intoxication when a defence
85.—(1) Except as provided in this section and in section 86,
intoxication shall not constitute a defence to any criminal charge.
(2) Intoxication shall be a defence to any criminal charge if by
reason thereof the person charged at the time of the act or omission
complained of did not know that such act or omission was wrong or
did not know what he was doing and —
(a) the state of intoxication was caused without his consent by
the malicious or negligent act of another person; or
(b) the person charged was, by reason of intoxication, insane,
temporarily or otherwise, at the time of such act or omission.
[Indian PC 1860, s. 85]
Effect of defence of intoxication when established
86.—(1) Where the defence under section 85 is established, then in
a case falling under section 85(2)(a) the accused person shall be
acquitted, and in a case falling under section 85(2)(b), section 84 of
this Code and sections 251 and 252 of the Criminal Procedure Code
2010 shall apply.
[15/2010 wef 02/01/2011]
(2) Intoxication shall be taken into account for the purpose of
determining whether the person charged had formed any intention,
specific or otherwise, in the absence of which he would not be guilty
of the offence.
Informal Consolidation – version in force from 1/4/2015
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