IPC Section 60
⚖️ Section 60 IPC — "Public Servant"
📘 What does Section 60 say?
Section 60 defines who is considered a “Public Servant” under the IPC.
It states:
The term “Public Servant” includes:
Any person in the service or pay of the government, whether appointed by the government or otherwise.
Any person who is in the service or pay of a public corporation.
Any person who is in charge of, or has control over, public property or money.
Any person who is required by law to perform a public duty.
Any person who is appointed to discharge any public function.
🧐 Detailed Explanation:
Who is a Public Servant?
The term is broad and includes a wide variety of people who perform public duties, whether:
Government employees (like clerks, police officers, judges, revenue officers).
Officers or employees of public corporations or government companies.
Persons managing or controlling public property or funds.
People who have been assigned by law to perform public duties or functions, even if not salaried by the government.
Purpose of this Definition:
The classification is important because many sections of the IPC and other laws impose special duties, protections, or penalties involving public servants.
Examples of Public Servants:
Police officers, judges, magistrates, municipal officers.
Employees of government departments.
Persons elected or nominated to government bodies.
Contractors or agents working under the government, if they perform public duties.
Why does this matter?
Certain crimes like bribery, criminal misconduct, or obstruction of duty are specifically related to public servants.
The law requires a clear definition of who counts as a public servant to ensure proper application of these offenses.
📌 Key Points:
The definition covers anyone performing public duties, whether paid by the government or not.
Even persons holding public office temporarily or by election can be public servants.
The definition is inclusive and designed to cover all officials who work in the interest of the public or government.
✅ Summary:
Section 60 IPC defines “public servant” very broadly to include all government employees and others performing public functions.
This helps the law hold such persons accountable and protect them in their official capacities.
It forms the foundation for sections dealing with offenses related to public servants.
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