Indian Penal Code, 1860
97. Right of
private defense of the body and of property
Every person has a right,
subject to the restrictions contained in section 99, to defend-
First- His own
body, and the body of any other person, against any offence affecting the human
body;
Secondly- The property,
whether movable or immovable, of himself or of any other person, against any
act which is an offence falling under the definition of theft, robbery,
mischief or criminal trespass, or which is an attempt to commit theft, robbery,
mischief or criminal trespass.