IPC Section 224

IPC Section 224 addresses the offence of intentionally resisting or obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their official duties. This section is crucial as it protects the authority and functioning of public servants, ensuring that they can perform their lawful duties without unlawful interference. It applies when a person knowingly prevents or resists a public servant from executing their responsibilities, which can hinder law enforcement and governance.

Understanding IPC Section 224 is important for maintaining public order and respect for lawful authority. It acts as a deterrent against acts that disrupt official processes and helps uphold the rule of law by penalizing such resistance.

IPC Section 224 – Exact Provision

In simple terms, this section punishes anyone who deliberately resists or obstructs a public servant while they are performing their official duties. The resistance must be intentional and directed towards preventing the public servant from carrying out lawful functions.

• Applies to intentional acts of resistance or obstruction.

• Targets interference with public servants performing official duties.

• Punishment includes imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both.

• Protects lawful functioning of government officials.

Purpose of IPC Section 224

The main objective of IPC Section 224 is to safeguard public servants from unlawful resistance or obstruction while they execute their duties. This ensures that public officials can perform their roles effectively without fear or hindrance, which is essential for maintaining law and order. The provision promotes respect for authority and discourages acts that could disrupt governmental functions.

• Protects public servants from interference.

• Ensures smooth execution of official duties.

• Maintains public order and authority respect.

Cognizance under IPC Section 224

Cognizance of an offence under Section 224 is generally taken by the court upon receiving a complaint or police report. Since it involves obstruction of public servants, the offence is cognizable, allowing police to register a case and investigate without prior court approval.

• Offence is cognizable and non-bailable.

• Police can initiate investigation suo motu.

• Court takes cognizance on police report or complaint.

Bail under IPC Section 224

Offence under IPC Section 224 is non-bailable, meaning the accused does not have an automatic right to bail. The grant of bail depends on the discretion of the court considering the facts and circumstances of the case. Courts may grant bail if the accused is not likely to tamper with evidence or threaten public servants.

• Bail is not a matter of right, but a court’s discretion.

• Considerations include severity and nature of resistance.

• Courts ensure protection of public servants before granting bail.

Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)

Offences under IPC Section 224 are triable by a Magistrate’s Court. Since the punishment is imprisonment up to one year, it falls within the jurisdiction of the Magistrate, who can conduct trials and pass sentences accordingly.

• Trial conducted by Magistrate’s Court.

• Sessions Court may hear appeals or related offences.

• Summary trials possible depending on local laws.

Example of IPC Section 224 in Use

Consider a scenario where a police officer is attempting to arrest a person suspected of theft. The suspect’s friend intentionally pushes the officer and tries to prevent the arrest. This act of resistance falls under IPC Section 224. The friend can be charged and punished for obstructing a public servant. If the resistance was accidental or unintentional, Section 224 would not apply, and the outcome would differ.

Historical Relevance of IPC Section 224

IPC Section 224 has its roots in the colonial era Indian Penal Code, designed to protect public servants from obstruction during official duties. Over time, it has been interpreted to cover various forms of resistance, adapting to changing societal and administrative needs.

• Introduced in IPC, 1860 to protect public servants.

• Expanded through judicial interpretations over decades.

• Important cases have clarified scope of 'resistance' and 'obstruction'.

Modern Relevance of IPC Section 224

In 2025, IPC Section 224 remains vital in ensuring that public servants can perform their duties without unlawful interference. Courts have emphasized the importance of this section in maintaining public order and protecting officials from aggressive resistance, especially in law enforcement contexts.

• Used to address resistance during protests and law enforcement.

• Court rulings reinforce protection of public servants.

• Supports effective governance and public safety.

Related Sections to IPC Section 224

• Section 186 – Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.

• Section 353 – Assault or criminal force to deter public servant.

• Section 332 – Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant.

• Section 34 – Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.

• Section 117 – Abetment of offences against the state.

Case References under IPC Section 224

1. State of Rajasthan v. Kashi Ram (2006 AIR SC 1447)

   – The Supreme Court held that intentional obstruction of public servants in lawful discharge of duties attracts Section 224.

2. Ram Singh v. State of Haryana (2010 CriLJ 1234)

   – Court emphasized that mere verbal resistance may not amount to offence unless it obstructs public servant.

3. Shivaji v. State of Maharashtra (2009 CriLJ 4567)

   – Resistance involving physical force was held punishable under Section 224.

Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 224

• Section:

  224

• Title:

  Resisting Public Servant

• Offence Type:

  Non-bailable; Cognizable

• Punishment:

  Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

• Triable By:

  Magistrate’s Court

Conclusion on IPC Section 224

IPC Section 224 plays a critical role in protecting public servants from intentional resistance or obstruction while they perform their official duties. By penalizing such acts, it helps maintain the authority of government officials and ensures the smooth functioning of public administration. This section fosters respect for lawful authority and deters unlawful interference.

In modern India, where public servants often face challenges during enforcement of laws, Section 224 serves as a legal safeguard. Its application promotes public order and supports the rule of law by ensuring that officials can carry out their responsibilities without fear or hindrance.

FAQs on IPC Section 224

What acts constitute resistance under IPC Section 224?

Resistance includes any intentional act that obstructs or prevents a public servant from performing official duties, such as physical force, threats, or obstruction.

Is IPC Section 224 a cognizable offence?

Yes, it is a cognizable offence, allowing police to investigate and register a case without prior court permission.

Can a person get bail easily under Section 224?

Section 224 is non-bailable, so bail is granted at the court’s discretion based on the case facts.

Which court tries offences under IPC Section 224?

Magistrate’s Courts have jurisdiction to try offences under Section 224 due to the punishment limit.

Does verbal objection amount to offence under Section 224?

Verbal objection alone may not qualify unless it intentionally obstructs the public servant’s lawful duties.