IPC 84→BNS 22

IPC 84 to BNS 22: Act of a person of unsound mind

Section 84 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 22 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 84 →View BNS Section 22 →

IPC 84 to BNS 22 at a Glance

Section 84 IPC (Act of a person of unsound mind) is now Section 22 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 84 to BNS 22?

Section 22 BNS keeps the exception in the same words.

IPC 84 vs BNS 22: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section8422
OffenceAct of a person of unsound mindSame
PunishmentNone. Section 84 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 22 BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 84 and BNS 22: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 84, IPC 1860

84. Act of a person of unsound mind.—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.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 22, BNS 2023

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.

Ingredients: IPC 84 vs BNS 22

Under IPC 84
  1. The act is done by a person who is of unsound mind at the time of doing it
  2. By reason of that unsoundness of mind he is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law
Under BNS 22
  1. An act is done which would otherwise be an offence
  2. The act is done by a person who is of unsound mind at the time of doing it
  3. By reason of that unsoundness of mind he is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law

What IPC 84 to BNS 22 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 84 IPC (now Section 22 BNS): nothing changes in the protection for a person of unsound mind. Section 22 BNS keeps the same test in the same words.

FAQs: IPC 84 to BNS 22

Section 84 IPC: does the BNS keep the unsoundness of mind exception?▼

Yes. Section 22 BNS says the same in the same words.

Where does Section 84 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 22 BNS, with the same heading, in Chapter III, General Exceptions.

Does Section 84 IPC or Section 22 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 84 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 84 IPC. Section 22 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 ·