IPC 166 vs BNS 166
● Retained in BNSPublic servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury
Section 166 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of a public servant disobeying the law with the intent to cause injury to any person. It targets officials who misuse their position to harm citizens or fail to perform their duties according to law.
Key points of IPC 166:
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Applies when a public servant intentionally disobeys or neglects legal duties, causing injury or risk to any person.
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Covers both commission and omission of duties.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
For example, if a police officer refuses to register a complaint due to personal bias or intentionally delays action to harm someone, it falls under IPC 166.
This section ensures accountability of public officials, promoting ethical conduct and protecting citizens’ rights against misuse of authority.
Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury
Section 166 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 166. It penalizes a public servant who disobeys legal duties with intent to cause injury, holding officials accountable for negligence or malicious actions.
Key points of BNS 166:
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Applies to both acts of commission and omission by public servants.
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Punishment: up to 1 year imprisonment, or fine, or both.
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Ensures that public servants perform duties lawfully and without bias.
For instance, if a municipal officer deliberately ignores safety regulations leading to harm, they can be prosecuted under BNS 166.
This section strengthens public accountability, ensuring officials cannot misuse authority or neglect duties that may endanger citizens.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 166 to BNS BNS 166.