IPC Section 241
Text of IPC Section 241 (Simplified)
"Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any public servant is lawfully employed in the suppression of a riot or unlawful assembly, assaults or obstructs such public servant in the execution of his duty, shall be punished."
Key Elements of Section 241
Who can commit this offence?
Any person. It does not need to be a public servant; anyone who assaults or obstructs can be liable.
Public servant involved:
The public servant must be lawfully employed in suppressing a riot or unlawful assembly.
Example: Police officer controlling a violent crowd.
Knowledge or reason to believe:
The offender must know or reasonably believe that the person is a public servant performing lawful duties related to controlling the riot.
Acts prohibited:
Assaulting the public servant (causing harm or attempting harm).
Obstructing the public servant in the execution of duty.
The obstruction may be physical, verbal, or any act that prevents lawful action.
Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 6 months, or
Fine, or
Both, depending on the severity of the act.
Example
During a public protest, a police officer is dispersing the crowd. A person hits or pushes the officer to stop him.
This is punishable under Section 241.
A person blocks the path of firefighters or police trying to control a riot, even without physically assaulting them.
This also falls under Section 241.
Summary:
IPC Section 241 penalizes anyone who assaults or obstructs a public servant lawfully trying to control a riot or unlawful assembly. The key factors are: knowledge of the duty, lawful employment, and obstruction or assault.
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