Penal Code · 2021 Revised Edition · Chapter IV · General Exceptions
76. Act done by person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
Official textFrom Attorney General's Chambers, unchanged
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 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.
A, an officer of a Court of Justice, being ordered by that Court to arrest Y, and after due inquiry believing Z to be Y, arrests Z. A has committed no offence.
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Chapter V
Abetment
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Offences Relating to Army, Navy, Air Force and Police
Chapter VIII
Offences Against Public Tranquillity
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Contempts of Lawful Authority of Public Servants
Chapter XI
False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice
Chapter
Offences Relating to Coin and Government Stamps
Chapter
Offences Relating to Weights and Measures
Chapter XIV
Offences Affecting Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals
Chapter XV
Offences Relating to Religion
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Offences Relating to Documents, False Documents and Currency Notes and Bank Notes
Chapter XIX
Criminal Breach of Contracts of Service
Chapter XX
Offences Relating to Marriage
Chapter XXI
Defamation
Chapter XXII
Criminal Intimidation, Insult and Annoyance
Chapter XXIII