21. Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years of age and under twelve years of age, who has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his conduct on that occasion.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 21: Act of a child above seven and under twelve years of age of immature understanding
Chapter III — General Exceptions
Source: official text of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Ministry of Home Affairs).