IPC Section 214
IPC Section 214 – Resistance or Obstruction to Public Servant Preventing Crime
Bare Act Language:
"Whoever voluntarily causes any hurt to any person being a public servant in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person from discharging his duty, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be done by such person in the lawful discharge of his duty, 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 Detail:
1. Who is Protected Under Section 214?
Public servants engaged in the lawful discharge of their official duties.
This includes police officers, government officials, municipal workers, etc.
2. What Acts Are Punishable?
Voluntarily causing hurt to such a public servant.
The hurt can be physical injury or bodily harm.
The hurt must be caused either:
While the public servant is performing their lawful duty, or
With the intention to prevent or deter the public servant from performing their duty, or
Because of something the public servant did or attempted to do in the course of duty.
3. Key Elements:
Voluntary causing hurt: The offender intentionally causes injury.
Public servant: The victim must be a public servant acting lawfully.
Lawful discharge of duty: The public servant must be acting within the scope of their lawful authority.
4. Punishment:
Imprisonment for up to three years, or
Fine, or
Both imprisonment and fine.
5. Difference from Section 332 IPC:
Section 214 applies specifically to cases where hurt is caused while the public servant is performing lawful duties.
Section 332 is a broader provision about voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant while suppressing a public servant’s duty.
Summary:
Section 214 protects public servants from voluntary hurt or injury inflicted while performing their official duties.
It also punishes those who harm public servants to prevent or deter them from doing their job.
The maximum punishment is imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
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