IPC 335 vs BNS 335
● Retained in BNSHurt Causing Danger or Obstruction to Public Servant
Section 335 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with cases where a person **voluntarily causes hurt to someone with the knowledge that it is likely to prevent or obstruct a public servant from performing their lawful duty.
Key points:
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The victim must be a public servant engaged in official duties.
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The act may not necessarily cause grievous hurt but must be hurt that obstructs duty.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
For example, if someone strikes a traffic officer lightly but in a way that prevents them from controlling traffic, it falls under IPC 335. This section ensures minor assaults that disrupt official work are legally addressed.
Hurt Causing Danger or Obstruction to Public Servant
Section 335 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 335. It punishes anyone who causes hurt to a public servant that is likely to prevent or obstruct them from performing their lawful duties.
Key points:
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Covers acts where hurt interferes with official duties.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
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Protects public servants from even minor assaults that hinder the execution of statutory functions.
For instance, lightly hitting a government official to stop them from issuing a notice or performing inspection qualifies under BNS 335. This ensures continuity in legal safeguards for public servants against minor but obstructive assaults.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 335 to BNS BNS 335.