BNSS Section 374: Person acquitted on ground of unsoundness of mind to be detained in safe custody
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter 27: Provisions as to Accused Persons of Unsound Mind
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374.
(1) Whenever the finding states that the accused person committed the act alleged, the Magistrate or Court before whom or which the trial has been held, shall, if such act would, but for the incapacity found, have constituted an offence,—
(a) order such person to be detained in safe custody in such place and manner as the Magistrate or Court thinks fit; or
(b) order such person to be delivered to any relative or friend of such person.
(2) No order for the detention of the accused in a public mental health establishment shall be made under clause (a) of sub-section (1) otherwise than in accordance with such rules as the State Government may have made under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
(3) No order for the delivery of the accused to a relative or friend shall be made under clause (b) of sub-section (1) except upon the application of such relative or friend and on his giving security to the satisfaction of the Magistrate or Court that the person delivered shall—
(a) be properly taken care of and prevented from doing injury to himself or to any other person;
(b) be produced for the inspection of such officer, and at such times and places, as the State Government may direct.
(4) The Magistrate or Court shall report to the State Government the action taken under sub-section (1).
Bare act text for reference, current to 1 July 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 367. Procedure in case of accused being person of unsound mind
- 368. Procedure in case of person of unsound mind tried before Court
- 369. Release of person of unsound mind pending investigation or trial
- 370. Resumption of inquiry or trial
- 371. Procedure on accused appearing before Magistrate or Court
- 372. When accused appears to have been of sound mind
- 373. Judgment of acquittal on ground of unsoundness of mind
- 375. Power of State Government to empower officer in charge to discharge
- 376. Procedure where prisoner of unsound mind is reported capable of making his defence
- 377. Procedure where person of unsound mind detained is declared fit to be released
- 378. Delivery of person of unsound mind to care of relative or friend