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Unsoundness of Mind and Neurological Impairments: A Reappraisal of Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2025

S. M. Aamir Ali*
Affiliation:
Symbiosis Law School Pune, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
Anuttama Ghose
Affiliation:
School of Law, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
*
Corresponding author: S. M. Aamir Ali; Email: smaamiraliofficial@gmail.com

Abstract

A change frequently encounters opposition from analytical minds prior to being embraced. This paper discusses the complex biological, psychological and social causes of criminal tendencies and their neurological triggers. The endocrine system, notably cortisol, changes behaviour and cognitive functions, which might lead to criminal tendencies when exposed to prolonged stress and adverse socio-economic conditions. The paper discusses the legal framework under Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, presently Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). The authors contend that Indian criminal law failed to decolonize when the BNS preserved the same idea of “unsoundness of mind” without much alteration. The study examines issues in defining “unsoundness of mind” and how the accused bears the burden of proof. The authors also support diminished responsibility as a legal defence in accordance with international precedents and emphasize that legislative adjustments must embrace scientific developments. The article emphasizes rehabilitation and community-based therapy over punishment, citing the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, for neurologically impaired offenders. It suggests cognitive–behavioural therapy, education and vocational training for young offenders. The findings of this research suggest that a neuroscientific-informed legal system can improve justice, public safety and offender reintegration by prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment.

Abstracto

Abstracto

Un cambio frecuentemente encuentra oposición por parte de mentes analíticas antes de ser adoptado. Este artículo analiza las complejas causas biológicas, psicológicas y sociales de las tendencias delictivas y sus desencadenantes neurológicos. El sistema endocrino, en particular el cortisol, modifica el comportamiento y las funciones cognitivas, lo que podría conducir a tendencias delictivas cuando se expone a estrés prolongado y a condiciones socioeconómicas. El artículo analiza el marco legal del Artículo 84 del Código Penal de la India, actualmente Artículo 22 del Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Los autores sostienen que el derecho penal indio no logró descolonizar la idea de “enajenación mental” sin mayores modificaciones. El estudio examina cuestiones relacionadas con la definición de “enajenación mental” y cómo recae sobre el acusado la carga de la prueba. Los autores también defienden la responsabilidad atenuada como defensa legal, de acuerdo con los precedentes internacionales, y enfatizan que los ajustes legislativos deben incorporar los avances científicos. El artículo prioriza la rehabilitación y la terapia comunitaria sobre el castigo, citando la Ley de Salud Mental de 2017 para delincuentes con discapacidad neurológica. Sugiere terapia cognitivo-conductual, educación y formación profesional para jóvenes infractores. Los hallazgos de esta investigación sugieren que un sistema legal con base neurocientífica puede mejorar la justicia, la seguridad pública y la reintegración de los delincuentes al priorizar la rehabilitación sobre el castigo.

Abstrait

Abstrait

Un changement se heurte souvent à l’opposition des esprits analytiques avant d’être adopté. Cet article examine les causes biologiques, psychologiques et sociales complexes des tendances criminelles et leurs déclencheurs neurologiques. Le système endocrinien, notamment le cortisol, modifie le comportement et les fonctions cognitives, ce qui peut entraîner des tendances criminelles en cas d’exposition prolongée au stress et aux conditions socio-économiques. L’article examine le cadre juridique de l’article 84 du Code pénal indien, actuellement article 22 du Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). Les auteurs soutiennent que le droit pénal indien n’a pas réussi à se décoloniser lorsque le BNS a conservé la même notion d’« aliéné mental » sans la modifier considérablement. L’étude examine les questions liées à la définition de l’« aliéné mental » et la manière dont l’accusé assume la charge de la preuve. Les auteurs soutiennent également la responsabilité atténuée comme moyen de défense juridique, conformément aux précédents internationaux, et soulignent que les ajustements législatifs doivent tenir compte des avancées scientifiques. L’article privilégie la réadaptation et la thérapie communautaire plutôt que la sanction, citant la loi de 2017 sur les soins de santé mentale pour les délinquants souffrant de troubles neurologiques. Il suggère une thérapie cognitivo-comportementale, une éducation et une formation professionnelle pour les jeunes délinquants. Les résultats de cette recherche suggèrent qu’un système juridique fondé sur les neurosciences peut améliorer la justice, la sécurité publique et la réinsertion des délinquants en privilégiant la réadaptation plutôt que la sanction.

摘要

摘要

一项变革在被接受之前,往往会遭到分析人士的反对。本文探讨了犯罪倾向及其神经触发因素的复杂生物、心理和社会原因。内分泌系统,尤其是皮质醇,会改变行为和认知功能,这可能导致长期处于压力和社会经济条件下的犯罪倾向。本文探讨了⟪印度刑法典⟫(IPC)第84条(现为2023年⟪印度法律汇编⟫(BNS)第22条)下的法律框架。作者认为,当BNS保留了“心智不健全”的概念而未作太大改动时,印度刑法未能实现去殖民化。本研究探讨了定义“心智不健全”以及被告如何承担举证责任的问题。作者还支持根据国际先例,将减轻责任作为法律辩护,并强调立法调整必须纳入科学发展。本文强调康复和社区治疗优先于惩罚,并引用了2017年⟪精神保健法⟫中针对神经系统障碍罪犯的规定。文章建议对青少年罪犯进行认知行为疗法、教育和职业培训。本研究结果表明,以神经科学为基础的法律体系可以通过优先康复而非惩罚来改善司法公正、公共安全和罪犯重返社会。

ملخص

ملخص

كثيرًا ما يواجه التغيير معارضة من العقول التحليلية قبل تبنيه. تناقش هذه الورقة البحثية الأسباب البيولوجية والنفسية والاجتماعية المعقدة للميول الإجرامية ومحفزاتها العصبية. يُغير الجهاز الصماء، ولا سيما الكورتيزول، السلوك والوظائف الإدراكية، مما قد يؤدي إلى ميول إجرامية عند التعرض لضغوط طويلة الأمد وظروف اجتماعية واقتصادية. تناقش الورقة الإطار القانوني بموجب المادة 84 من قانون العقوبات الهندي (IPC)، وحاليًا المادة 22 من بهاراتيا نيايا سانهيتا، 2023 (BNS). يؤكد المؤلفون أن القانون الجنائي الهندي فشل في إنهاء الاستعمار عندما حافظت BNS على نفس فكرة “اختلال العقل” دون تغيير يُذكر. تبحث الدراسة في قضايا تعريف “اختلال العقل” وكيفية تحمل المتهم عبء الإثبات. كما يدعم المؤلفون مبدأ المسؤولية المخففة كدفاع قانوني وفقًا للسوابق الدولية، ويؤكدون على ضرورة أن تراعي التعديلات التشريعية التطورات العلمية. تُركّز المقالة على إعادة التأهيل والعلاج المجتمعي أكثر من العقاب، مُستشهدةً بقانون الرعاية الصحية النفسية لعام ٢٠١٧ للمُجرمين المُصابين باضطرابات عصبية. وتقترح توفير العلاج السلوكي المعرفي، والتعليم، والتدريب المهني للمُجرمين الشباب. وتشير نتائج هذا البحث إلى أن النظام القانوني المُستند إلى علوم الأعصاب يُمكن أن يُحسّن العدالة، والسلامة العامة، وإعادة دمج المُجرمين من خلال إعطاء الأولوية لإعادة التأهيل على العقاب.

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© International Society of Criminology, 2025

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