Under traditional Hindu law, certain individuals and circumstances can lead to exemptions from punishment, reflecting the ancient texts and societal norms of the time. Key exemptions include:
1. **Children and Minors**:
- Generally, children below a certain age are considered incapable of committing a crime due to their lack of understanding and intent.
2. **Mentally Incapacitated Individuals**:
- Persons who are mentally unsound or suffer from severe mental illness may be exempt from punishment because they are deemed unable to comprehend their actions or differentiate between right and wrong.
3. **Acts Done Without Intention**:
- Actions carried out without criminal intent or by mistake might not attract punishment. This includes acts done in ignorance or without the knowledge of their consequences.
4. **Acts Under Duress or Compulsion**:
- Individuals who commit acts under coercion or threat to their life or safety may be exempt, as their actions are not considered voluntary.
5. **Religious Duties**:
- Certain acts performed as part of religious duties or rituals might be exempt from punishment if they are in accordance with the prescribed religious laws and do not harm others.
6. **Self-defense**:
- Acts done in self-defense, where an individual is protecting themselves or others from immediate harm, can be justified and exempt from punishment.
These exemptions reflect the ancient Hindu legal principles aimed at ensuring justice while considering the context and intent behind actions. It's important to note that contemporary Hindu law, as applied in modern legal systems like India, incorporates these traditional principles but also aligns with statutory laws and modern judicial interpretations.