Introduction of IPC Section 82
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 82 provides legal immunity to children under the age of seven from criminal liability. This section recognizes that children below this age lack the maturity to understand the consequences of their actions, and therefore, they cannot be held criminally responsible.
What is IPC Section 82 ?
IPC 82 states that nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age. This provision is based on the principle that children below this age are incapable of having criminal intent due to their immature understanding.

IPC Section 82 Overview
IPC 82 states that nothing is an offense which is done by a child under seven years of age.
Key Point
Age-Based Protection: This law completely exempts children below the age of 7 from being prosecuted for any criminal offense they may commit.
Inability to Understand: The rationale is that children below 7 years old lack the ability to fully comprehend the nature and consequences of their acts.
No Criminal Intent: Children this young are considered incapable of forming any criminal intent or mens rea required for an offense.
Promoting Child Welfare: By decriminalizing acts of very young children, IPC 82 aims to uphold their welfare and steer them towards rehabilitation instead of punishment.
Age-Specific Application: This exemption strictly applies only to children under 7. Different provisions may cover older children’s acts.
Objective Age Criteria: The law relies on a clearly defined age limit rather than subjective assessments of an individual child’s maturity level.
IPC 82 Punishment
Punishment: IPC 82 does not prescribe any punishment as it provides immunity to children under seven from criminal liability.
Fine: There is no fine under IPC 82 for the same reason.
82 IPC bailable or not ?
IPC 82 itself does not concern bailability because it provides immunity from prosecution. Children under the age of seven cannot be arrested or detained for criminal actions as per this section.
Section 82 IPC in short information
Offense | Definition | Punishment | Bailable or Not |
---|---|---|---|
IPC 82 | Acts done by a child under seven years of age | No punishment | Not applicable (N/A) |
IPC 82 FAQs
What is IPC 82?
IPC 82 states that any act done by a child under seven years of age is not an offense, providing them with legal immunity from criminal liability.
Why does IPC 82 provide immunity to children under seven?
It is based on the principle that children under seven lack the maturity and understanding to form criminal intent.
Are there any exceptions to IPC 82?
No, IPC 82 provides absolute immunity to children under seven, with no exceptions.
Can a child under seven be detained for an offense?
No, children under seven cannot be detained or subjected to criminal proceedings under IPC 82.
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