Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is, or who by reason of a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith believes himself to be, bound by law to do it.

Illustrations

(a) A, a soldier, fires on a mob by the order of his superior officer, in conformity with the commands of the law. A has committed no offence.

(b) A, an officer of a Court of Justice, being ordered by that Court to arrest Y, and, after due enquiry, believing Z to be Y, arrests Z. A has Committed no offence.

Chapter IV: General Exceptions

Section 76: Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law

Section 77: Act of Judge when acting judicially

Section 78: Act done pursuant to the judgment or order of Court

Section 79: Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified, by law

Section 80: Accident in doing a lawful act

Section 81: Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm

Section 82: Act of a child under seven years of age

Section 83: Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding

Section 84: Act of a person of-unsound mind

Section 85: Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused against his will

Section 86: Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one who is intoxicated

Section 87: Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent

Section 88: Act not intended to cause death, done by consent in good faith for person’s benefit

Section 89: Act done in good faith for benefit of child or insane person, by or by consent of guardian

Section 90: Consent known to be given under fear or misconception

Section 91: Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused

Section 92: Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent

Section 93: Communication made in good faith

Section 94: Act to which a person is compelled by threats

Section 95: Act causing slight harm

Section 96: Things done in private defense

Section 97: Right of private defense of the body and of property

Section 98: Right of private defense against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc.

Section 99: Acts against which there is no right of private defense

Section 100: When the right of private defense of the body extends to causing death

Section 101: When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

Section 102: Commencement and continuance of the right of private defense of the body

Section 103: When the right of private defense of property extends to causing death

Section 104: When such right extends to causing any harm other than death

Section 105: Commencement and continuance of the right of private defense of property

Section 106: Right of private defense against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person