Section 96 IPC: Things done in private defence

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 96 IPC at a Glance

Section 96 IPC deals with things done in private defence. From 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 34 BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 96 IPC creates no offence.

BNS Equivalent

Section 34 →

Section 96 IPC Bare Act Text

96. Things done in private defence

Nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence.

Source: Section 96, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 96 IPC in Simple Words

Section 96 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) opens the chapter on the right of private defence. It says that nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of that right. The extent of the right, and its limits, are set out in the sections that follow.

Ingredients of Section 96 IPC

  • There is a right of private defence of the body or of property under the Code
  • The act is done in the exercise of that right

Punishment Under Section 96 IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 96 IPC creates no offence.

Fine

None.

Section 96 IPC is a General Exception. It has no entry in the First Schedule to the CrPC.

Example of Section 96 IPC

In 2020 in Coimbatore, while returning home from his bakery at night, Gautham was cornered in an alley by Nikhil, who swung a wooden club at him to rob him of his wristwatch. To ward off the blow, Gautham twisted Nikhil's wrist and struck his forearm with an umbrella, causing Nikhil to drop the club. Gautham acted solely to protect himself within the lawful bounds of self-defence. Because his act was done in the exercise of the right of private defence, Gautham committed no offence under Section 96 IPC.

When Section 96 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The person acts as the aggressor in an unlawful attack rather than defending body or property.
  • The threat has already ended and the person strikes back in retaliation rather than in defence.
  • The force used goes beyond the limits placed on the right of private defence by the subsequent provisions of the Code.

Section 96 IPC in the BNS

Section 96 IPC is now covered under Section 34 BNS.

Section 34 BNS keeps the provision word for word.

View detailed comparison (IPC 96 vs BNS 34) →

FAQs on Section 96 IPC

What does Section 96 IPC say?▼

That nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence.

Does Section 96 IPC say how far private defence goes?▼

No. The extent of the right and its limits are in Section 97 IPC to Section 106 IPC.

Is Section 96 IPC an offence?▼

No. It creates no offence. It is a General Exception.

Under Section 96 IPC, does the right apply to property as well as the body?▼

Yes, as Section 97 IPC provides. Section 96 IPC covers anything done in the exercise of the right.

What is the BNS equivalent of Section 96 IPC?▼

Section 34 BNS, which keeps the provision word for word.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·