IPC 157 vs BNS 157
● Retained in BNSServing or attempting to serve public servant with unlawful obstruction
Section 157 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with serving or attempting to serve a public servant with obstruction that prevents them from performing lawful duties. It ensures public servants can execute their responsibilities without interference.
Key points of IPC 157:
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Applies when a person intentionally obstructs, prevents, or resists a public servant in performing official duties.
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Covers actions that thwart service of lawful orders, notices, or summons.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.
For example, if a person blocks a police officer attempting to deliver a notice or refuses to comply with lawful service of summons, they can be punished under IPC 157.
This section strengthens the ability of public servants to perform duties unhindered, maintaining the rule of law and preventing administrative delays due to intentional obstruction.
Serving or attempting to serve public servant with unlawful obstruction
Section 157 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 157. It penalizes any act that obstructs, prevents, or resists a public servant from performing official duties, including lawful service of notices, orders, or summons.
Key points of BNS 157:
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Applies even if the obstruction is attempted but not successful.
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Covers physical or verbal resistance and other forms of hindrance.
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Punishment: up to 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.
For instance, if a person actively prevents a municipal officer from issuing a notice to a business or refuses to accept lawful service, it falls under BNS 157.
This provision ensures public officials can perform duties effectively, promoting administrative efficiency and protecting the legal process from deliberate interference.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 157 to BNS BNS 157.