IPC Section 434
📖 IPC Section 434 – Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the property of the Government or public servant
✅ What does it say?
Whoever intentionally causes damage to property belonging to:
The Government, or
Any public servant in the exercise of their official duties,
By fire or explosive substance,
Shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to 7 years, or fine, or both.
✅ Key Points
Intentional act
The person must intend to cause damage.
Accidental fires are not covered under this section.
Property of Government or public servant
Includes government buildings, offices, vehicles, or any property used by public servants.
Means of damage
Fire: setting fire to the property
Explosive substance: using bombs, dynamite, or other explosives to cause damage
Seriousness
This section is more serious than ordinary mischief because it targets property critical to government functions.
✅ Example Cases
A person sets fire to a government office building to destroy files → punishable under Section 434.
A person plants explosives in a government vehicle intending to damage it → falls under Section 434.
Damaging private property accidentally or without intent to harm government/public property → not covered under this section (other sections like 435 IPC may apply).
⚖️ Related Sections
Section 435 IPC – Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy property (applies to any property, not just government property)
Section 436 IPC – Mischief by fire causing destruction of a building
✅ In short:
Section 434 IPC punishes anyone who intentionally damages government or public property using fire or explosives, with imprisonment up to 7 years, or fine, or both.
RELATED Blog
0 comments