If a bailiff executes an eviction based on a civil court order later declared void for lack of jurisdiction, what protection does Section 78 of the Indian Penal Code provide?
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Section 78 IPC states that an act done pursuant to a court order is not an offence while the order remains in force — even if the court had no jurisdiction — provided the person executing it believed in good faith that the court had such jurisdiction. The bailiff executed the eviction order believing the court was competent, so S.78 exempts him from criminal liability despite the order being later declared void.