What is right of Self Defence???????
Exercising the right of private defence or what is also known as self defence is one of the exceptions that the law recognizes. By virtue of this, a person commits no offence, in some circumstances, even if he takes the life of another. This right is discussed below.
The right of private defence is a very valuable right recognized in all democratic and civilized societies. It says that every person has a right to defend himself and his property against any threat, danger or violence.
The law does not expect a person to behave like a coward when confronted with dangerous situations. Law requires people to rise to the occasion in such situations. It is perfectly justifiable to use force, if it is needed, to protect oneself from an unlawful attack.
It is the primary duty of the state to protect the life and property of its subjects. But no law, however vigilant it may be, can control each and every troublemaker in the country. Therefore law confers the right of private or self defence on people. Nothing is an offence which is done in private defence. (S.96 of IPC)
Illustration:
B, a lady is attacked by a drunken person who attempts to rape her. B, desperately trying to safeguard her modesty, gets hold of a knife and stabs her attacker who dies as a result. Here B is not guilty of any offence because she was only defending herself.
