Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is, or who by reason of a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith believes himself to be, bound by law to do it"
Illustrations
a A, a soldier, fires on a mob by the order of his superior officer, in
conformity with the commands of the law" A has committed no offence"
b A, an officer of a Court of Justice, being ordered by that Court to arrest Y,
and after due enquiry, believing Z to be Y, arrests Z" A has committed no
offence"
71 IPC Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences
74 IPC Limit of solitary confinement
76 IPC Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law
77 IPC Act of Judge when acting judicially
78 IPC Act done pursuant to the judgment or order of Court
79 IPC Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself, justified, by law