CrPC Section 480
CrPC Section 480 – Offense by officers of the court
CrPC Section 480 deals with misconduct or negligence by public servants or officers of the court in relation to legal proceedings. It provides punishment for acts done dishonestly or with negligence that affect the administration of justice.
Exact Wording (Simplified):
“Whoever, being a public servant or an officer of the court, knowingly disobeys any direction of the court, refuses or neglects to perform duties, or acts in a manner obstructing the due course of justice, shall be punished under this section.”
Key Points
Who Can Be Punished:
Public servants (e.g., police officers, government officials)
Officers of the court (e.g., clerks, bailiffs)
Acts Covered:
Neglect of duties in legal proceedings
Refusal to obey lawful directions from a magistrate or court
Obstructing justice intentionally
Intent or Knowledge:
The person must act knowingly or dishonestly.
Mere mistakes without intent are not covered.
Purpose of the Section:
To maintain the integrity of legal and judicial processes
To ensure accountability of officials in court-related duties
Example
Police Officer Refusal:
A police officer refuses to execute a lawful warrant issued by a magistrate without any valid reason.
This can be punished under Section 480.
Court Clerk Negligence:
A court clerk deliberately delays filing or registering a case against a party.
This is punishable because it obstructs justice.
Obstruction of Court Order:
Any official disregarding a lawful direction of a judge that causes inconvenience or harm to justice.
Important Points
Section 480 is mostly for public servants or officers, not private citizens.
Focuses on intentional negligence or obstruction in judicial proceedings.
It reinforces accountability for those responsible for executing court orders.
In simple words:
“If a court official or public servant deliberately disobeys the court, neglects their duties, or obstructs justice, they can be punished under CrPC Section 480.”
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