What Is BNS Section 42?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 42: When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

• If the offence, the committing of which, or the attempting to commit which occasions the exercise of the right of private defence, be theft, mischief, or criminal trespass, not of any of the descriptions specified in section 41:
  • That right does not extend to the voluntary causing of death.
  • But does extend, subject to the restrictions specified in section 37, to the voluntary causing to the wrong-doer of any harm other than death.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 42 specifies the extent of the right of private defense when the offense involves theft, mischief, or criminal trespass. This right does not allow for the voluntary causing of death but permits the voluntary causing of harm other than death, as long as it adheres to the limitations set in section 37.

Question & Answers

• What does BNS Section 42 cover?

  BNS Section 42 addresses the right of private defense in cases of theft, mischief, or criminal trespass. It stipulates that this right does not extend to voluntarily causing death but allows for causing harm other than death, subject to restrictions in section 37.

• Can the right of private defense lead to the voluntary causing of death under BNS Section 42?

  No, BNS Section 42 does not allow the right of private defense to extend to the voluntary causing of death. It only permits harm other than death, within the limits set by section 37.

• What are the restrictions mentioned in BNS Section 42?

  The right of private defense, as outlined in BNS Section 42, is subject to the restrictions specified in section 37, which must be adhered to when causing harm other than death.

Example

• Example 1: If someone attempts to steal property from you and you defend yourself, you cannot cause the thief's death. However, you are allowed to cause other forms of harm to protect your property, provided you follow the limitations in section 37.
• Example 2: In a case where an individual is committing criminal trespass, you may use your right of private defense to cause harm to the trespasser, but you cannot cause their death. The harm must be within the guidelines established in section 37.

Summary

BNS Section 42 limits the right of private defense to situations involving theft, mischief, or criminal trespass. It allows for harm other than death but prohibits voluntary causing of death. This right must be exercised within the restrictions outlined in section 37.