IPC Section 224
IPC Section 224 – Resistance or Obstruction to Person Executing Process of Law
Bare Act Language:
"Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or obstruction to any public servant, lawfully engaged in the execution of any process of law, or in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both."
Explanation in Detail:
1. What Does Section 224 Cover?
This section penalizes anyone who intentionally resists or obstructs a public servant while the public servant is lawfully executing any legal process or carrying out official duties.
The process of law means any formal legal procedure like serving summons, executing warrants, conducting arrests, or any legal action authorized by law.
2. Key Ingredients:
Public servant: The person must be a recognized public servant (like a police officer, court official, revenue officer).
Lawfully engaged: The public servant must be acting within the scope of his lawful authority.
Resistance or obstruction: The accused must intentionally resist or obstruct the public servant’s lawful action.
Intention: The act of resistance or obstruction must be deliberate and intentional.
3. Examples:
Preventing a police officer from arresting a suspect.
Refusing to allow a court official to serve a summons.
Blocking revenue officers conducting a lawful survey.
Physically resisting enforcement of a court order.
4. Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 2 years, or
Fine, or
Both imprisonment and fine.
5. Importance of Section 224:
Protects the authority and dignity of public servants performing their lawful duties.
Ensures smooth execution of judicial and administrative functions.
Discourages interference with the legal process.
Summary:
Section 224 IPC punishes anyone who intentionally resists or obstructs a public servant lawfully executing legal processes or performing official duties.
The law aims to protect the effective enforcement of legal orders and public administration.
Penalty can be imprisonment (up to two years), fine, or both.
RELATED Blog
0 comments