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Under Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, nothing is an offence which is done by a child…

Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 82 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860) provides that an act done by a child under seven years of age is not an…

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Under Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, nothing is an offence which is done by a child under the age of:

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Answer and explanation

Correct answer A

Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly section 82 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860) provides that an act done by a child under seven years of age is not an offence. Section 21 separately covers a child above seven and under twelve who has not attained sufficient maturity to judge the nature and consequences of the conduct on the occasion.

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Option A

Correct. Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 82 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860) provides absolute immunity from criminal liability (doli incapax) for any act done by a child under seven years of age.

Option B

Incorrect. The statutory threshold for absolute immunity under Section 20 BNS (formerly Section 82 IPC) is seven years, not ten years.

Option C

Incorrect. Fourteen years is the age threshold for prohibition of hazardous child employment under Article 24 of the Constitution, not for absolute criminal immunity under Section 20 BNS.

Option D

Section 21 applies to a child above seven and under twelve who lacks sufficient maturity to judge the nature and consequences of the conduct on the occasion. Section 20 sets an unconditional threshold of under seven.

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