Difference Between Mistake of Fact And Mistake of Law

Difference between mistake of fact and mistake of law has been discussed as;

Mistake of Fact	Mistake of Law
The meaning of mistake of fact has been provided under sections 20 and 22 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.	The meaning of mistake of law has been provided under section 21 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
In the mistake of fact, one or both the contracting parties to the agreement are under mistake as to the matter of fact that is essential to an agreement.	In the mistake of law, one or both the contracting parties to the agreement are under mistake as to the matter of law that is essential to an agreement.
Ignorantia facti excusat, which means the ignorance of fact is excusable.	Ignorantia juris non-excusat which means ignorance of the law is not excusable.
In the mistake of fact, the criminal liability of the parties is not absolute as an exception under sections 76 and 79 of the Indian Penal Code, 1872	In the mistake of law, the criminal liability of the parties is absolute.
In the mistake of fact, the civil liability of the parties is absolute.	In the mistake of law, the civil liability of the parties is absolute.

Referred Books:

• Law of Contract - Bare Act 2021 Edition Professional
• The Indian Contract Act 1872 Bare Act 2021 Edition
• Law of Contract & Specific Relief Dr Avtar Singh Latest Edition-2020
• Pollock & Mulla - The Indian Contract Act, 1872
• CONTRACT Paper  I - By R.K. Bangia [Edtion 2019 - 2020]
• CONTRACT Paper-II - By R. K. Bangia
• NOTES ON INDIAN CONTRACT ACT 1872: BEST NOTES FOR LAW STUDENTS