IPC 356 vs BNS 356
● Retained in BNSAssault or Criminal Force on Public Servant to Prevent Duty
Section 356 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses cases where a person assaults or uses criminal force against a public servant to prevent them from performing lawful duty. This section ensures that officials can carry out their responsibilities without obstruction or fear.
Key points:
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Applies when a public servant is attacked while performing official duties.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Protects the integrity of law enforcement and government functions.
For example, hitting a traffic police officer who is issuing a fine, or physically obstructing a revenue officer during inspection, falls under IPC 356. This law emphasizes legal accountability for interfering with public duty.
Assault or Criminal Force on Public Servant to Prevent Duty
Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 356. It punishes acts where a person assaults or uses force against a public servant to prevent lawful duties.
Key points:
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Covers assaults or obstruction against public servants performing official tasks.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Ensures protection for government officials executing duties under law.
For instance, physically stopping a government officer from inspecting premises qualifies under BNS 356. This section reinforces legal safeguards for public servants performing lawful duties.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 356 to BNS BNS 356.