IPC Section 331
🔹 Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 331 — Voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty
Text of the Section:
"Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty.— Whoever voluntarily causes any hurt to any person being a public servant in the execution of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person from discharging his duty as a public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both."
🔍 Explanation in Simple Terms:
Section 331 deals with a situation where a person intentionally causes hurt to a public servant (like a police officer, government official, etc.) to prevent or deter them from performing their official duties.
⚖️ Key Ingredients of the Offense:
Voluntary causing of hurt:
The accused must intentionally cause hurt (injury or bodily pain) to another person.
Victim is a public servant:
The injured person must be a public servant engaged in their official duties.
Purpose:
The hurt must be caused with the intent to prevent or deter the public servant from performing their official duty.
📌 Purpose of the Section:
To protect public servants from violence or harm when they are performing their lawful duties. It is important for the functioning of government and law enforcement that officials can perform their tasks without fear of physical harm.
🔨 Punishment:
Imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous) for up to 3 years, or
Fine, or
Both imprisonment and fine.
📘 Example Scenario:
If a police officer is trying to arrest someone, and the person hits or injures the officer to stop the arrest, this falls under Section 331.
🏛️ Related Sections:
Section 332 IPC: Causing hurt to a public servant (without the specific intent to deter from duty).
Section 353 IPC: Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty.
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