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1The Penal Code, 1860

( ACT NO. XLV OF 1860 )

Chapter IV

GENERAL EXCEPTIONS

Of the Right of the Private Defence

Right of private defence against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc.
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.
 
 
Illustrations
 
 
(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 of private defence against Z, which he would have if Z were not acting under that misconception.

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    Throughout this Act, except otherwise provided, the words “Bangladesh”, “Government”, “the Government” and “Taka” were substituted, for the words “Pakistan”, “Central or any Provincial Government” or “Central Government or any Provincial Government” or “Central Government” or “the Provincial Government” or “Provincial Government” and “rupees” respectively by section 3 and 2nd Schedule of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision And Declaration) Act, 1973 (Act No. VIII of 1973).
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