General Exceptions
BNS Section 41 - When right of private defence of property extends to causing death
Simple summary
Read the official BNS text below and consult an advocate for advice based on your facts.
Full official legal text
41. When right of private defence of property extends to causing death.--The right of private
defence of property extends, under the restrictions specified in section 37, to the voluntary causing of
death or of any other harm to the wrong-doer, if the offence, the committing of which, or the attempting
to commit which, occasions the exercise of the right, be an offence of any of the descriptions hereinafter
enumerated, namely: --
(a) robbery;
(b) house-breaking after sunset and before sunrise;
(c) mischief by fire or any explosive substance committed on any building, tent or vessel, which
building, tent or vessel is used as a human dwelling, or as a place for the custody of property;
(d) theft, mischief, or house-trespass, under such circumstances as may reasonably cause
apprehension that death or grievous hurt will be the consequence, if such right of private defence is
not exercised.