IPC Section 14
Certainly! Here is a detailed explanation of Section 14 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), India:
Indian Penal Code (IPC) — Section 14: “Unlawful Assembly”
Text of Section 14 IPC:
“An assembly of five or more persons is designated an unlawful assembly if the common object of the persons composing that assembly is:
To overawe by criminal force, or show of criminal force, the Central or any State Government or Parliament or the Legislature of any State, or any public servant in the exercise of the lawful power of such public servant; or
To resist the execution of any law, or of any legal process; or
To commit any mischief or criminal trespass, or other offence; or
By means of criminal force, or show of criminal force, to take possession of any property, or to deprive any person of the enjoyment of a right of way, or of the use of water or other incorporeal right of which he is in possession or enjoyment, or to enforce any right or supposed right; or
By means of criminal force, or show of criminal force, to compel any person to do what he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do what he is legally entitled to do.”
Detailed Explanation:
1. Definition of Unlawful Assembly
An assembly means a group of five or more persons.
It becomes an unlawful assembly when the common object of the group falls under any of the five categories mentioned above.
The assembly can be unlawful even if no crime has yet been committed, based on the intent or objective.
2. Common Object
The common object means the shared purpose or intent of the members of the assembly.
The five categories of common objects that make the assembly unlawful are:
To intimidate or overpower government authorities or public servants by force or threat.
To resist legal processes or laws.
To commit offenses like mischief or trespass.
To forcibly take possession of property or deprive someone of a legal right.
To compel someone to act against their legal rights or obligations by force or threat.
3. Legal Significance
Being part of an unlawful assembly is an offense under the IPC.
It helps prevent riots, unlawful protests, and violent gatherings that threaten public peace.
4. Related Sections
Section 141 IPC defines "unlawful assembly" in general terms.
Section 145 IPC gives further legal consequences for unlawful assemblies.
Section 146 IPC defines “rioting” as an offense committed by unlawful assembly.
Example:
If five or more persons gather with the intent to forcibly prevent the execution of a court order or to intimidate a public official using criminal force or threat, such an assembly would be deemed unlawful under Section 14.
Summary Table:
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Number of Persons | Five or more |
Condition for Unlawfulness | Common object falls under one of five specified categories |
Key Elements | Use or threat of criminal force, common intent |
Legal Implications | Participation is punishable; prevents riots and unlawful protests |
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