IPC 183 vs BNS 183
● Retained in BNSPublic servant acting negligently in discharge of duty
Section 183 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of a public servant acting negligently or with culpable disregard in performing official duties. This provision ensures that officials maintain due diligence while executing responsibilities.
Key points of IPC 183:
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Applies when a public servant fails to exercise reasonable care in their official duties.
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Covers acts leading to harm, loss, or inconvenience to individuals or public interest.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine, or both.
For example, if a government clerk delays issuance of critical certificates due to negligence causing financial loss, it falls under IPC 183.
This section safeguards public interest and accountability, compelling officials to act responsibly while performing their duties.
Public servant acting negligently in discharge of duty
Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 183. It penalizes public servants acting negligently or without due care, ensuring administrative diligence and integrity.
Key points of BNS 183:
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Covers acts of omission, delay, or carelessness in official duties.
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Punishment: up to 3 months imprisonment, or fine, or both.
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Ensures officials cannot neglect duties causing harm or loss to public or government interests.
For instance, a municipal officer ignoring safety inspections due to negligence, leading to accidents or property damage, can be prosecuted under BNS 183.
This provision strengthens public confidence and administrative accountability, ensuring officials perform duties with due diligence.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 183 to BNS BNS 183.