IPC Section 186
IPC Section 186 — Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
📜 Text of Section 186 IPC (Simplified)
"Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both."
🔍 Key Elements of Section 186 IPC
Voluntarily obstructs
The obstruction must be willful or intentional, not accidental or unintentional.
Public servant
The person obstructed must be a public servant — someone employed in an official capacity by the government (police, magistrate, government officer, etc.)
Discharge of public functions
The public servant must be performing their official duties or functions at the time.
Obstruction
The obstruction can be physical, verbal, or by any other means that prevents the public servant from doing their work.
⚖️ Punishment
Imprisonment for up to 3 months OR
Fine up to ₹500 OR
Both
🧠 Purpose of Section 186
To ensure that public servants can perform their official duties without interference.
To maintain law and order by preventing obstruction to lawful functions.
To protect the administration of justice and governance from disruption.
📝 Illustration
A police officer trying to disperse an unlawful assembly is physically stopped or verbally abused by someone intentionally.
A government official conducting a survey is prevented from doing their job by local residents.
In these cases, the person obstructing can be charged under Section 186.
🔗 Related Sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 187 IPC | Attempt to commit an offense to prevent a public servant from discharging their duty |
| Section 188 IPC | Disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant |
| Section 341 IPC | Wrongful restraint |
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Offense | Voluntarily obstructing public servant |
| Mens Rea | Intentional/willful obstruction |
| Punishment | Up to 3 months imprisonment, fine up to ₹500, or both |
| Objective | Protect public servants from interference |
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