Section 99 of IPC : Section 99: Acts Against Which There Is No Right Of Private Defence

Explanation using Example

Imagine a situation where a government official, who is a tax inspector, arrives at a shop to conduct a surprise audit. The shopkeeper, believing the audit to be a ruse for harassment, decides to resist. However, the tax inspector is not threatening the shopkeeper with death or grievous hurt, but is simply performing his duty, albeit in an intrusive manner.

In this case, the shopkeeper does not have the right of private defence to physically prevent the tax inspector from carrying out the audit. Section 99 of the Indian Penal Code clarifies that there is no right of private defence against acts of public servants done in good faith, even if the act is not strictly lawful, as long as it does not cause a reasonable apprehension of death or grievous hurt.