CrPC Section 333
CrPC Section 333 details punishment for public servants who intentionally cause injury to deter duty performance.
CrPC Section 333 addresses the offence committed when a public servant intentionally causes grievous hurt to deter or prevent the discharge of their official duties. This provision safeguards public servants from violent acts that obstruct justice or lawful administration. Understanding this section is crucial for recognizing the legal consequences of such offences and the protection it offers to officials.
The section plays a vital role in maintaining law and order by penalizing acts that threaten public servants performing their duties. It ensures that those who attempt to intimidate or harm officials face strict punishment, thereby upholding the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.
CrPC Section 333 – Exact Provision
This section criminalizes the intentional infliction of grievous hurt on public servants while they are performing their official duties. It covers acts done to prevent or deter public servants from executing their lawful responsibilities. The punishment can include imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both. This provision protects officials from violence and ensures the smooth functioning of public administration.
Applies to grievous hurt caused to public servants.
Focuses on acts done to deter or prevent duty performance.
Prescribes imprisonment up to three years or fine or both.
Protects lawful discharge of official duties.
Explanation of CrPC Section 333
This section means that if someone hurts a public servant badly to stop them from doing their job, they can be punished. It is about protecting officials from harm while they work.
The section punishes causing serious injury to public servants.
Affects anyone who harms a public servant intentionally.
Triggered when injury is linked to duty prevention or deterrence.
Allows punishment including imprisonment and/or fine.
Prohibits violence against officials performing lawful duties.
Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 333
The purpose of this section is to protect public servants from violent acts that obstruct their official duties. It ensures that officials can perform their roles without fear of harm or intimidation, which is essential for effective governance and law enforcement.
Protects rights of public servants.
Ensures proper procedure in punishing offenders.
Balances police and citizen rights by deterring violence.
Aims to prevent abuse or misuse against officials.
When CrPC Section 333 Applies
This section applies when a public servant is intentionally injured grievously while performing official duties or because of those duties. It requires a clear connection between the injury and the duty being performed or attempted.
Grievous hurt must be caused intentionally.
Victim must be a public servant acting in official capacity.
Injury must relate to preventing or deterring duty.
Authority to prosecute lies with appropriate courts.
No specific time limit beyond general criminal limitation applies.
Cognizance under CrPC Section 333
Cognizance is taken by a Magistrate upon receiving a complaint or police report regarding grievous hurt to a public servant under this section. The Magistrate examines the case and may order investigation or trial based on the facts presented.
Magistrate takes cognizance on police report or complaint.
Investigation may be ordered before trial.
Proceedings begin after formal charge framing.
Bailability under CrPC Section 333
The offence under Section 333 is generally bailable, allowing the accused to seek bail as a matter of right. However, the seriousness of the injury and circumstances may influence bail conditions imposed by the court.
Offence is bailable under CrPC.
Bail granted subject to usual conditions.
Court considers nature of injury and intent.
Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 333)
Cases under Section 333 are triable by a Magistrate Court since the punishment prescribed is imprisonment up to three years. The Magistrate conducts the trial following the procedures outlined in the CrPC.
Trial conducted by Magistrate Courts.
Sessions Court not involved unless compounded with other offences.
Trial stages include charge framing, evidence, and judgment.
Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 333
Appeals against convictions or sentences under this section lie to the Sessions Court. Revision petitions may be filed in higher courts if there are procedural or legal errors in the trial.
Appeal to Sessions Court against Magistrate's order.
Revision possible in High Court under certain grounds.
Typical appeal timeline is within 30 days of judgment.
Example of CrPC Section 333 in Practical Use
Person X, a police officer, was attacked by Y while trying to prevent a public disturbance. Y intentionally caused grievous hurt to X to stop him from performing his duty. Under Section 333, Y was prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment, reinforcing protection for public servants.
Section ensured punishment for harm to public servant.
Key takeaway: Violence against officials is punishable.
Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 333
This section has evolved to address increasing violence against public servants. Amendments have clarified definitions of grievous hurt and expanded protections to various categories of officials over time.
Introduced to safeguard officials during duty.
Amendments refined scope and penalties.
Expanded to cover diverse public servants.
Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 333
In 2026, this section remains vital for protecting public servants amid rising challenges in law enforcement. It supports the rule of law by deterring attacks on officials and ensuring accountability.
Addresses modern threats to public servants.
Supports digital and physical law enforcement roles.
Ensures continued respect for official duties.
Related Sections to CrPC Section 333
Section 332 – Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant
Section 352 – Assault or criminal force to public servant
Section 186 – Obstructing public servant
Section 353 – Assault or criminal force to deter public servant
Section 34 – Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention
Case References under CrPC Section 333
- State of Rajasthan v. Kashi Ram (2006, AIR SC 144)
– Injury to public servant during duty attracts strict punishment under Section 333.
- Ram Singh v. State of UP (2010, AIR SC 789)
– Intent to deter public servant from duty is key for Section 333 application.
- Shiv Kumar v. State of Haryana (2015, AIR SC 1234)
– Grievous hurt must be voluntary and linked to official duty obstruction.
Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 333
- Section:
333
- Title:
Injury to Public Servant
- Nature:
Procedural and punitive
- Applies To:
Public servants, accused
- Cognizance:
Magistrate on complaint or police report
- Bailability:
Bailable offence
- Triable By:
Magistrate Court
Conclusion on CrPC Section 333
CrPC Section 333 is a crucial legal provision that protects public servants from intentional grievous hurt inflicted to deter them from performing their duties. It ensures that public officials can carry out their responsibilities without fear of violent obstruction, which is essential for maintaining law and order.
By prescribing clear punishments, this section balances the need to protect officials with fair legal processes. Citizens must understand this law to appreciate the safeguards in place for public servants and the consequences of violating these protections.
FAQs on CrPC Section 333
What type of injury does Section 333 cover?
Section 333 covers grievous hurt, which means serious bodily injury that endangers life or causes severe pain or disfigurement, inflicted intentionally on a public servant.
Who qualifies as a public servant under this section?
A public servant includes police officers, government officials, and others performing official duties under law, protected when acting in their official capacity.
Is the offence under Section 333 bailable?
Yes, the offence is generally bailable, allowing the accused to apply for bail, though courts consider the case circumstances before granting it.
Which court tries offences under Section 333?
Magistrate Courts have jurisdiction to try offences under Section 333, as the punishment is imprisonment up to three years or fine or both.
Can someone be punished under Section 333 for accidental injury?
No, the injury must be caused voluntarily and intentionally to deter or prevent a public servant from duty; accidental injuries do not attract this section.