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

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi lives in a remote village in India. One night, he hears noises and sees a group of armed men breaking into his house. Fearing for his life and the safety of his family, Ravi grabs a licensed firearm and confronts the intruders. The intruders attack Ravi, and in the ensuing struggle, Ravi shoots one of them, causing the intruder's death. Under Section 103 of the Indian Penal Code, Ravi's actions could be justified as he was defending his property and life against house-breaking by night, which is one of the enumerated offences.

Example 2:

Sita owns a small shop in a busy market area. One night, she notices a person trying to set fire to her shop. The shop is not only her source of livelihood but also has a small room where she sometimes stays overnight. Fearing that the fire could spread and cause serious harm or even death, Sita uses a heavy object to strike the arsonist, resulting in the arsonist's death. According to Section 103 of the Indian Penal Code, Sita's action could be justified as she was preventing mischief by fire on a building used as a human dwelling and for the custody of property.

Example 3:

Arjun is walking home late at night when he sees a thief trying to steal his motorcycle parked outside his house. The thief is armed with a knife and threatens to kill Arjun if he tries to stop him. Arjun, fearing for his life, uses a nearby iron rod to defend himself and in the process, causes the thief's death. Under Section 103 of the Indian Penal Code, Arjun's actions could be justified as he was defending his property and his life against theft under circumstances that reasonably caused apprehension of death or grievous hurt.

Example 4:

Meera is camping in a tent with her family in a forest area. Late at night, she wakes up to find someone trying to set their tent on fire. The tent is their temporary dwelling and contains all their belongings. Meera, in a panic, uses a camping knife to stab the arsonist, resulting in the arsonist's death. According to Section 103 of the Indian Penal Code, Meera's action could be justified as she was preventing mischief by fire on a tent used as a human dwelling and for the custody of property.