Introduction of BNS Section 20
BNS Section 20 addresses the legal responsibilities of children under the age of seven. This section provides clear guidelines on how the law views actions taken by very young children, recognizing their developmental stage and capacity to understand consequences. It establishes that children in this age group cannot be held legally accountable for their actions, emphasizing protection and education over punishment.
- Introduction of BNS Section 20
- What is section 20 of BNS ?
- BNS Section 20 in Simple Points
- Section 20 BNS Overview
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 20
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 20
- BNS Section 20 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is section 20 of BNS ?
Section 20 of BNS outlines that any act committed by a child under seven years old is not considered a criminal offense. The law recognizes that children below this age do not possess the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions and, therefore, cannot be charged with a crime.

BNS Section 20 in Simple Points
Legal Protection for Children: Children under seven years old are not legally responsible for their actions, meaning they cannot be charged with a crime.
Innocence Assumed: The law assumes that children under this age do not understand the consequences of their actions and therefore cannot intend to commit a crime.
No Criminal Liability: Any action performed by a child under seven is not considered a criminal offense, so they cannot face legal consequences.
Focus on Guidance: Instead of punishment, the emphasis is on teaching and guiding the child, recognizing their age and developmental stage.
Universal Rule: This protection applies to all children under seven, with no exceptions.
Section 20 BNS Overview
BNS Section 20 says that if a child under seven years old does something wrong, it is not considered a crime. The law understands that children this young do not have the ability to fully understand their actions, so they cannot be held responsible or charged with a crime.
Act of a Child Under Seven Years of Age
Legal Immunity: A child under seven years of age cannot be held legally responsible for any action they take.
No Criminal Intent: The law assumes that a child under seven does not have the mental capacity to form criminal intent.
Protection of Innocence: The rule protects young children, recognizing their innocence and lack of understanding of the consequences of their actions.
Age Limitation: The specific age mentioned is seven years, meaning that the protection applies only until the child reaches this age.
Universal Application: This principle applies to all actions by a child under seven, regardless of the nature of the act.
Developmental Consideration: The law acknowledges that children at this age are still developing cognitively and morally.
No Legal Proceedings: Since the act is not considered an offense, no legal action can be taken against a child under seven for any wrongdoing.
Moral Education Over Punishment: The focus is on guiding and educating the child rather than punishing them.
Parental Responsibility: While the child is not held responsible, parents or guardians are expected to supervise and educate their children.
Exceptions to the Rule: There are no exceptions; all children under the age of seven are covered by this legal protection.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 20
Legal Protection for Children: Children under seven years old are not legally responsible for their actions, meaning they cannot be charged with a crime.
Innocence Assumed: The law assumes that children under this age do not understand the consequences of their actions and therefore cannot intend to commit a crime.
No Criminal Liability: Any action performed by a child under seven is not considered a criminal offense, so they cannot face legal consequences.
Focus on Guidance: Instead of punishment, the emphasis is on teaching and guiding the child, recognizing their age and developmental stage.
Universal Rule: This protection applies to all children under seven, with no exceptions.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 20
Aspect | Explanation |
---|---|
Definition | A child under seven years old cannot be held responsible for any act. |
Offense | No act by a child under seven is considered a criminal offense. |
Punishment | There is no punishment for a child under seven, as they are not liable. |
Bailable | Bail is not applicable since the child cannot be charged with a crime. |
BNS Section 20 FAQs
What does BNS Section 20 say about children under seven?
BNS Section 20 states that any act done by a child under seven years old is not considered a crime because the child is too young to understand the consequences.
Can a child under seven be arrested for a crime?
No, a child under seven cannot be arrested or charged with a crime, as the law does not hold them responsible for their actions.
Why is the age of seven important in this law?
The age of seven is important because the law believes that children under this age do not have the mental capacity to form criminal intent.
What happens if a child under seven breaks something valuable?
The child is not legally responsible, but their parents might be asked to pay for the damage. The focus is on teaching, not punishment.
Is this law the same in every situation?
Yes, BNS Section 20 applies universally to all acts done by children under seven, regardless of the situation.
If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Court or any other marriage-related issues, our https://marriagesolution.in/lawyer-help-1/ website may prove helpful. By completing our enquiry form and submitting it online, we can provide customized guidance to navigate through the process effectively.
Right to Information RTI act :Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1)
Explore the essence of the Right to Information (RTI) Act through this symbolic image. The image features legal documents, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The scales of justice represent the balance achieved through the citizens’ right…
What is Article 371 of Indian Constitution ?
Article 371 of the Indian Constitution grants special provisions to specific states and regions within India, addressing their unique historical, social, and cultural circumstances. These provisions aim to accommodate diverse needs and protect cultural identities within the constitutional framework.
Indian Labour law : Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1)
The purpose of labour laws is to safeguard employees and guarantee equitable treatment at the workplace, encompassing aspects such as remuneration, security, and perks. These regulations establish a secure ambiance by imposing minimum wage requirements, ensuring factory safety measures are…
GST :Your Comprehensive Guide (Part 1 – Understanding the Basics)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is like a big change in how we pay taxes in India. It started on July 1, 2017, and it’s here to simplify things. Before GST, we had many different taxes, and it could…