IPC Section 174
🔹 IPC Section 174 – Non-appearance in obedience to an order from a public servant
Text of Section 174
"Neglect to give information of the death or disappearance of a person expected to be alive, or to produce the body before a Magistrate, is punishable as per this section."
More specifically, Section 174 covers the failure to appear or give information when summoned by a public servant, particularly in cases related to unexplained death or disappearance.
🔍 Explanation
This section is primarily used when a person:
Is summoned by a Magistrate or police officer to give information about a death or disappearance.
Fails to appear before the authority.
Or fails to give information about such incidents.
🔹 Application Context
If a person knows about a death or disappearance that requires investigation but does not report it or does not appear before the magistrate or police when asked, they can be charged under this section.
This helps law enforcement in investigating unnatural, suspicious, or unexplained deaths or missing persons.
🔹 Punishment under Section 174
Simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or
Fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or
Both.
🔹 When is Section 174 invoked?
When the police register a case of unnatural death or disappearance.
They summon people who might have information.
If a person, knowing this, neglects to appear or provide information, Section 174 applies.
🔹 Important Points
Section 174 is procedural and aims to assist investigations.
It does not deal with the cause of death or disappearance itself, but with the failure to cooperate.
The summons or order to appear must be lawfully issued by a magistrate or public servant.
It encourages people to come forward with information.
🔹 Example Scenario
Suppose a person witnesses the disappearance of a neighbor and police summon them to give information. If that person deliberately fails to appear or refuses to provide relevant information, they may be prosecuted under Section 174.
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