Correct option is B
Assertion (A): The Indian Penal Code (IPC) indeed contains certain exemptions from criminal liability. Sections 76 to 106 of the IPC provide general exceptions, which include scenarios where an individual may be exempt from criminal liability, such as acts done by mistake of fact, accident, under compulsion, insanity, infancy, etc. These exceptions recognize that in certain situations, it would be unjust to hold a person criminally liable.
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Reason (R): The reason provided is true. There cannot be universal criminal liability in all circumstances because the law must consider the intent, mental state, and context in which an act is committed. The IPC acknowledges that not all actions that cause harm should result in criminal liability. For instance, acts done without criminal intent or under compulsion should not attract the same penalties as intentional criminal acts.
Since both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason accurately explains why the IPC includes exemptions from criminal liability, the correct answer is
(b) (A) and (R) both are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Information Booster The Indian Penal Code’s general exceptions ensure that individuals are not unfairly punished for actions where criminal intent or culpability is absent. For example, a child under the age of seven cannot be held criminally liable (Section 82 IPC) because they are presumed incapable of understanding the consequences of their actions. Similarly, an act done in self-defense (Section 96 IPC) is exempt from criminal liability, recognizing the right to protect oneself.
Additional Knowledge
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Mens Rea (Guilty Mind): This principle underpins many of the IPC’s exemptions. Criminal liability typically requires both a guilty act (actus reus) and a guilty mind (mens rea).
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Justifiable Acts: Certain acts, such as those performed under legal compulsion or in the exercise of legal rights, are justifiable and exempt from criminal liability under the IPC.
