'A' was at work with a hatchet with full precautions. While working, the head of the hatchet flies off and kills a man who was standing nearby. 'A' has committed no crime under which one of the following Sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ?

This scenario is the classic illustration provided for Section 80 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. Section 80 provides immunity for an accident in doing a lawful act. It states that nothing is an offence which is done by accident or misfortune, without any criminal intention or knowledge, in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with proper care and caution. Since 'A' was working with "full precautions" (proper care and caution), the incident is treated as an excusable accident rather than a crime.

Other sections mentioned are:

• Section 81: Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other harm (Necessity).
• Section 86: Responsibility for acts committed while intoxicated.
• Section 89: Act done in good faith for the benefit of a child or person of unsound mind by a guardian.