IPC 80→BNS 18

IPC 80 to BNS 18: Accident in doing a lawful act

Section 80 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 18 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 80 →View BNS Section 18 →

IPC 80 to BNS 18 at a Glance

Section 80 IPC (Accident in doing a lawful act) is now Section 18 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 80 to BNS 18?

Section 18 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

IPC 80 vs BNS 18: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section8018
OffenceAccident in doing a lawful actSame
PunishmentNone. Section 80 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 18 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 80 and BNS 18: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 80, IPC 1860

80. Accident in doing a lawful act.—Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution. Illustration A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 18, BNS 2023

Nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution. Illustration. A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.

Ingredients: IPC 80 vs BNS 18

Under IPC 80
  1. The act is done by accident or misfortune
  2. There is no criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of it
  3. The act is a lawful act, done in a lawful manner by lawful means
  4. It is done with proper care and caution
Under BNS 18
  1. The act is done by accident or misfortune
  2. There is no criminal intention or knowledge in the doing of it
  3. The act is a lawful act, done in a lawful manner by lawful means
  4. It is done with proper care and caution

What IPC 80 to BNS 18 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 80 IPC (now Section 18 BNS): nothing changes in the exception for an accident in doing a lawful act. Section 18 BNS keeps the words and the illustration.

FAQs: IPC 80 to BNS 18

Does the BNS keep the exception in Section 80 IPC?▼

Yes. Section 18 BNS says the same in the same words and keeps the illustration.

Where does Section 80 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 18 BNS, with the same heading, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 80 IPC or Section 18 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 80 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 80 IPC. Section 18 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·