Section 22 of BNS : Section 22: Act of a person of unsound mind.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a 35-year-old man, has been diagnosed with severe schizophrenia. One day, while experiencing a psychotic episode, he believes that his neighbor's house is on fire and that he must break in to save them. In reality, there is no fire, and Ravi ends up causing significant property damage. Under Section 22 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi's actions may not be considered an offence because, due to his unsoundness of mind, he was incapable of understanding the nature of his act or that it was wrong or against the law.

Example 2:

Meena, a 28-year-old woman, suffers from a severe intellectual disability that significantly impairs her cognitive functions. One day, she takes a valuable item from a store without paying for it, believing it to be a gift. When caught, it is evident that Meena does not understand the concept of purchasing or the legal implications of taking something without payment. According to Section 22 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Meena's actions may not be considered an offence because her unsoundness of mind made her incapable of understanding the nature of her act or that it was wrong or illegal.