IPC 156 vs BNS 156
● Retained in BNSAct intending to prevent public servant from discharging duty
Section 156 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, criminalizes any act intended to prevent a public servant from performing his lawful duty. This section ensures that officials can carry out their responsibilities without interference.
Key points of IPC 156:
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Applies to any act that intentionally obstructs, intimidates, or hinders a public servant in performing official duties.
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Covers both physical obstruction and other acts that prevent lawful execution of duties.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.
For example, if someone blocks a municipal officer from inspecting a building or stops a police officer from enforcing the law, such acts are punishable under IPC 156.
This section protects the integrity and authority of public servants, maintaining the smooth functioning of government operations and ensuring that law enforcement is not impeded.
Act intending to prevent public servant from discharging duty
Section 156 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, retains the same provision as IPC 156, penalizing any action intended to prevent a public servant from performing official duties.
Key points of BNS 156:
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Includes physical obstruction, intimidation, or threats.
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Applies even if the act does not completely prevent duty but attempts to hinder it.
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Punishment: up to 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.
For instance, preventing a health inspector from inspecting a restaurant or stopping a police officer from issuing a lawful notice falls under BNS 156.
This section ensures lawful authority is respected and that public servants can perform their duties effectively, preserving public order and administrative efficiency.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 156 to BNS BNS 156.