Section 224 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) addresses the offense of threatening a public servant or individuals associated with them. This section is designed to protect public officials from coercion and undue influence in the performance of their duties.
Key Provisions of Section 224 BNS
- Definition of Offense: The section criminalizes the act of threatening injury to a public servant or to any person whom the offender believes to be connected to that public servant. The intent behind such threats must be to induce the public servant to perform or refrain from performing any act related to their official functions12.
- Punishment: The punishment for violating this section can include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both. This reflects the seriousness with which such threats are viewed in terms of undermining public service integrity.
- Cognizability and Bailability: The offense is classified as non-cognizable, meaning that police cannot arrest without a warrant, and it is bailable, allowing the accused to secure bail after being charged.
- Jurisdiction: Cases under this section are triable in any Magistrate’s court, which provides a straightforward legal pathway for addressing such offenses1.
Comparison with Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Section 224 of the BNS has a corresponding provision in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) under Section 189, which deals with similar threats against public servants. The language and penalties are largely consistent between the two laws, highlighting a unified approach towards protecting public officials from coercive threats.
This legal framework aims to maintain the integrity of public administration by deterring individuals from attempting to influence officials through intimidation or threats.
Adv Ashish Sharma has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses navigate the intricate legal landscape with confidence. From providing expert advice on current legal issues to offering clear explanations of legal principles, he strives to empower his audience with knowledge and understanding.
