IPC Section 76

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Chapter IV - General Exceptions of the Right of Private Defence

IPC Section 76

Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law.

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.