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.
IPC Section 84: Simplified Explanation
Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the criminal responsibility of individuals suffering from unsoundness of mind when committing an act. This provision is grounded in the principle that for an act to constitute a crime, there must be both actus reus (the physical act) and mens rea (the mental intent). Suppose an individual’s cognitive capacity is so impaired that they cannot understand the nature of the act or that it is wrong or contrary to law. In that case, the individual cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions.
Critical Aspects of IPC Section 84
- Unsoundness of Mind: The term “unsoundness of mind” refers to various conditions that significantly impair an individual’s cognitive functions, affecting their ability to understand the nature and implications of their actions. This can include a range of mental disorders, psychoses, and severe intellectual disabilities.
- Criteria for Exemption: For the exemption from criminal liability to apply, it must be demonstrated that the individual was incapable of understanding the nature of the act or that it was wrong or contrary to law due to unsound mind at the time of committing the act.
- Legal Test of Insanity: Section 84 essentially encapsulates the legal test for insanity, which is focused on the accused’s cognitive capacity at the time of the offence. It is not enough that the individual has a diagnosis of a mental disorder; it must be shown that this condition affected their understanding of their actions to such an extent that they could not comprehend their wrongfulness.
- The burden of Proof: The burden of proving unsoundness of mind generally falls on the defence. The defence must establish, on the balance of probabilities, that the accused was suffering from such a degree of mental impairment at the time of the act that they meet the criteria set out in Section 84.
