The Legal Catalyst

Introduction Self-defense is a fundamental legal principle in criminal law that allows individuals to protect themselves from harm. However, while the law recognizes the right to self-defense , it also imposes certain restrictions to prevent misuse. This blog explores the legal justifications and limitations of self-defense under criminal law and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) . What is Self-Defense in Criminal Law? Self-defense is a legal doctrine that permits individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from immediate harm . It serves as a defense against criminal liability when a person uses force to prevent an unlawful attack . Legal Justifications for Self-Defense For a self-defense claim to be valid, the following conditions must be met: Imminent Threat: The person must face an immediate danger of harm. Proportionality of Force: The force used must be proportional to the threat faced. Unlawful Aggression: The attacker must be engaging in an il...