BNS Section 25
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
Short answer
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
In detail
Section 25 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 says that a person is not committing a crime when they cause harm to an adult who has voluntarily agreed to take that risk, provided the act was not meant to cause death or serious injury and the person did not know it was likely to cause such severe harm. The law recognises that activities like sports, games or other consensual actions may sometimes result in minor injuries. As long as the injury is not fatal or grievously harmful, and the other party is over eighteen and has expressly or implicitly consented, the doer cannot be charged with an offence. This protection applies only when the consent is genuine and the act is performed in good faith without any intention or knowledge of causing serious damage.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
Is it considered rape if a woman under 18 gives consent?
Yes, even with consent, any sexual penetration of a woman under 18 is classified as rape.
People also ask
- What if the person injured is under 18?
- Does this protection apply to medical procedures performed with consent?
- What if the injury turns out to be more serious than expected?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.