Introduction of BNS Section 21
BNS Section 21 deals with children between the ages of seven and twelve who lack sufficient maturity to understand their actions. It states that if such children do not have the mental capacity to judge the nature and consequences of their behavior, their actions are not considered criminal offenses. The focus is on providing guidance rather than punishment.
What is section 21 of BNS ?
BNS Section 21 states that children who are over seven but under twelve years old are not held responsible for their actions if they do not fully understand what they are doing. The law recognizes that these children might not grasp the full impact of their actions, so they cannot be charged with a crime.

BNS Section 21 in Simple Points
Age Range: This section applies to children who are older than seven but younger than twelve years old.
Maturity Check: It looks at whether these children understand the nature and consequences of their actions.
No Legal Responsibility: If a child in this age range does not fully understand their actions, they cannot be held criminally responsible.
Focus on Guidance: Instead of punishing, the law aims to guide and educate the child to help them learn right from wrong.
Parental Role: Parents or guardians are expected to support and teach the child, helping them develop a better understanding of their actions.
Section 21 BNS Overview
Legal Protection for Ages 7-12: Children aged between seven and twelve are protected from legal responsibility if they lack sufficient maturity.
Understanding Maturity: The law focuses on whether the child understands the nature and consequences of their actions.
Age Range Specificity: This protection applies specifically to children above seven and under twelve years old.
Mental Maturity Assessment: Legal decisions consider if a child of this age has the maturity to comprehend their actions.
Focus on Guidance: The emphasis is on guiding and educating rather than punishing.
Parental Supervision: Parents or guardians are expected to help the child understand appropriate behavior.
No Criminal Liability: Actions by children in this age group are not treated as criminal offenses if they lack maturity.
Protection of Innocence: The law recognizes that children in this age group are still developing their understanding of consequences.
Universal Application: This rule applies equally to all children within the specified age range.
Educational Approach: The approach prioritizes education and development over legal consequences.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 21
Aspect | Explanation |
---|---|
Definition | Children aged seven to twelve are not held criminally responsible if they lack maturity. |
Offence | Actions by these children are not considered criminal if they do not understand their impact. |
Punishment | No punishment is applied as the child is not legally responsible. |
Bailable | Bail is not relevant since the child is not charged with a crime. |
BNS Section 21 FAQs
What does BNS Section 21 cover?
It covers children aged seven to twelve who are not held responsible for their actions if they do not understand them fully.
How is maturity determined under this section?
Maturity is assessed based on whether the child has the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
Can a child between seven and twelve be punished under this section?
No, if the child does not have sufficient maturity, they cannot be punished or held criminally responsible.
Does this law apply to all actions by children in this age group?
Yes, the law applies to all actions by children aged seven to twelve, provided they do not have the maturity to understand the consequences.
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