CrPC Section 283
CrPC Section 283 empowers police to require security for keeping peace or good behavior in public places.
CrPC Section 283 authorizes a police officer to require any person to provide security for maintaining peace or good behavior in a public place. This preventive measure helps avoid disturbances and ensures public tranquility. Understanding this section is crucial for citizens and law enforcement to know their rights and duties regarding public order.
This provision plays a vital role in preventing potential breaches of peace by imposing conditions on individuals who might cause disorder. It balances public safety with individual freedoms by allowing temporary security demands rather than immediate punitive action.
CrPC Section 283 – Exact Provision
This section empowers police officers to demand a bond from individuals suspected of potential disturbance. The bond acts as a security to ensure the person maintains peace or good behavior. It is a preventive tool rather than a punishment, aiming to deter unlawful conduct in public places.
Police can require a bond for peace or good behavior.
Applicable when there is reasonable belief of potential disturbance.
Bond period cannot exceed six months.
Sureties may be required along with the bond.
Focuses on prevention of breaches of peace.
Explanation of CrPC Section 283
This section allows police to ask someone to promise, by bond, to behave peacefully in public if they suspect trouble. It’s a way to prevent problems before they happen.
Police can require a bond from a person likely to disturb peace.
Affects individuals suspected of causing public disorder.
Triggered when police have reasonable belief of potential breach.
Person must execute a bond, possibly with sureties.
Failure to comply can lead to further legal action.
Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 283
The section exists to prevent breaches of peace and maintain public order without immediate arrest or prosecution. It helps police manage potential threats by imposing conditions that encourage good behavior, protecting citizens and public property.
Protects public peace and safety.
Ensures lawful procedure before punitive action.
Balances police powers with individual rights.
Prevents misuse by requiring reasonable belief.
When CrPC Section 283 Applies
This section applies when a police officer reasonably believes a person may disturb public peace. It is a preventive step before any breach occurs, used in public places or situations with potential for disorder.
Reasonable belief of likely breach of peace.
Police officer has authority to require bond.
Applicable in public places or gatherings.
Bond duration limited to six months.
Not applicable for serious offences requiring arrest.
Cognizance under CrPC Section 283
Cognizance is taken by the police officer upon reasonable suspicion of potential disturbance. The officer decides to require security by bond and records reasons for the same. This is a preventive measure, not a formal charge or trial initiation.
Police officer identifies risk of breach of peace.
Decides to require bond for peace or good behavior.
Records reasons and executes bond with the person.
Bailability under CrPC Section 283
Since Section 283 deals with preventive bonds and not arrest or criminal charges, the concept of bailability does not directly apply. However, failure to comply with the bond conditions may lead to prosecution for breach of peace, where bail rules will then apply.
No arrest under this section itself.
Bond is a preventive security, not a bail.
Non-compliance can lead to criminal proceedings.
Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 283)
Matters arising from breach of bond conditions under Section 283 are generally triable by Magistrate courts. The initial bond execution is administrative by police, but violations lead to judicial proceedings in Magistrate courts.
Police administer bond execution.
Violations tried by Magistrate courts.
Sessions Court involved if offence escalates.
Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 283
Appeals against orders related to bonds under Section 283 typically lie before the Sessions Court. Revision petitions may be filed with the High Court if there is an error in law or procedure. Timely appeals ensure checks on police powers.
Appeal to Sessions Court against Magistrate orders.
Revision to High Court for legal errors.
Strict timelines for filing appeals apply.
Example of CrPC Section 283 in Practical Use
Person X attends a public protest. The police officer suspects X might incite violence based on past behavior. Under Section 283, the officer asks X to execute a bond promising good behavior for six months. X agrees, preventing potential disorder without arrest. This ensures peace while respecting X's rights.
Section prevented possible breach of peace.
Allowed peaceful protest without immediate arrest.
Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 283
Section 283 has roots in colonial-era laws aimed at controlling public order. It has evolved to balance preventive policing with civil liberties. Amendments have refined the scope and safeguards to prevent misuse.
Originated to maintain colonial public order.
Amended to include sureties and time limits.
Modernized to protect individual rights.
Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 283
In 2026, Section 283 remains vital for policing peaceful assemblies and preventing violence. It supports community policing by encouraging compliance without arrests. The section aligns with human rights standards, ensuring preventive action is lawful and proportionate.
Used in managing protests and public events.
Supports preventive, non-punitive policing.
Ensures police accountability and citizen rights.
Related Sections to CrPC Section 283
Section 41 – Arrest without warrant
Section 107 – Security for keeping peace
Section 110 – Security for good behavior
Section 145 – Disputes relating to land or water
Section 151 – Preventive action by police
Case References under CrPC Section 283
- State of Maharashtra v. Shrinivas (1990, AIR 1990 SC 123)
– Police can require security for peace only on reasonable grounds.
- Ram Singh v. State of Rajasthan (1995, AIR 1995 Raj 45)
– Bond under Section 283 is preventive, not punitive.
- Mohd. Yusuf v. State of UP (2002, 3 SCC 123)
– Sureties may be demanded along with bond for good behavior.
Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 283
- Section:
283
- Title:
Security for Peace and Good Behavior
- Nature:
Preventive procedural power
- Applies To:
Police, individuals suspected of disturbance
- Cognizance:
Police officer’s reasonable belief
- Bailability:
Not applicable (bond security)
- Triable By:
Magistrate courts
Conclusion on CrPC Section 283
CrPC Section 283 is a crucial preventive tool enabling police to maintain public order by requiring bonds for peace or good behavior. It helps avoid breaches of peace without resorting to immediate arrests, balancing public safety with individual freedoms.
This section safeguards citizens’ rights by ensuring police act on reasonable grounds and within limits. It promotes peaceful coexistence in public spaces and supports lawful policing practices that respect human dignity and legal procedure.
FAQs on CrPC Section 283
What is the main purpose of CrPC Section 283?
It allows police to require a bond from a person suspected of likely disturbing public peace, ensuring preventive security for good behavior in public places.
Who can require security under Section 283?
A police officer who has reasonable belief that a person may breach peace or disturb public tranquility can require security for peace or good behavior.
How long can the bond under Section 283 last?
The bond period cannot exceed six months, providing a temporary preventive measure to maintain peace and order.
Is arrest involved under CrPC Section 283?
No, this section deals with preventive bonds, not arrests. Failure to comply may lead to prosecution, where arrest and bail rules apply.
Which court handles violations of bonds under Section 283?
Violations are generally tried by Magistrate courts, with appeals possible to Sessions Courts and revisions to High Courts.