IPC Section 358

IPC Section 358 addresses the act of using assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their lawful duty. This section is important as it protects public servants from obstruction and threats while they carry out their official responsibilities. Ensuring public servants can perform their duties without fear is essential for maintaining law and order.

This section applies when someone intentionally uses force or threatens a public servant to prevent them from executing their duty. It recognizes the need to safeguard officials from interference, thereby upholding the rule of law and public administration.

IPC Section 358 – Exact Provision

This section means that if a person assaults or applies criminal force to a public servant while they are performing their official duties, or to stop them from doing so, they can be punished. The law aims to protect public servants from physical harm or threats that interfere with their work.

• Protects public servants during official duties from assault or criminal force.

• Applies even if the assault is intended to deter the public servant from duty.

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

• Focuses on maintaining public order and respect for lawful authority.

Purpose of IPC Section 358

The legal objective of IPC Section 358 is to ensure that public servants can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. It aims to uphold the authority of the state and protect officials from interference that could disrupt public services. By penalizing assault or criminal force against public servants, the law reinforces respect for lawful authority and public administration.

• Safeguard public servants from physical harm or threats.

• Ensure uninterrupted performance of official duties.

• Maintain public confidence in law enforcement and administration.

Cognizance under IPC Section 358

Cognizance of offences under IPC Section 358 is generally taken when a complaint or report is made by the public servant or any other person. The courts can initiate proceedings based on such complaints.

• Offence is cognizable; police can investigate without magistrate order.

• Complaints by public servants or witnesses trigger cognizance.

• Courts proceed based on police reports or direct complaints.

Bail under IPC Section 358

Offences under IPC Section 358 are bailable, meaning the accused has the right to apply for bail. Since the punishment is up to one year, courts generally grant bail unless there are special circumstances.

• Offence is bailable under the law.

• Bail is usually granted unless accused poses flight risk or threat.

• Early bail helps prevent unnecessary detention for minor offences.

Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)

Cases under IPC Section 358 are triable by Magistrate courts. Since the punishment is limited to one year imprisonment or fine, it falls within the jurisdiction of Magistrate courts.

• Trial generally held in Magistrate courts.

• Sessions Court jurisdiction not required due to punishment limit.

• Summary trial possible if facts are straightforward.

Example of IPC Section 358 in Use

Suppose a police officer is trying to arrest a person for a minor offence. The accused, in anger, pushes the officer to prevent the arrest. This act of using criminal force to deter the public servant from duty falls under IPC Section 358. The accused can be charged and punished with imprisonment up to one year or fine.

In contrast, if the accused merely argues verbally without any force or threat, Section 358 would not apply. The law requires actual assault or criminal force, not just words.

Historical Relevance of IPC Section 358

IPC Section 358 was introduced to protect public servants during the colonial era when maintaining authority was critical. Over time, it has evolved to cover various public servants including police, revenue officers, and others.

• Introduced in Indian Penal Code, 1860 to protect public servants.

• Amended to clarify scope and punishment.

• Landmark cases have reinforced its application to diverse public servants.

Modern Relevance of IPC Section 358

In 2025, IPC Section 358 remains vital for protecting public servants amid increasing challenges. Courts have interpreted it to cover digital and physical interference. It helps maintain law and order and ensures officials can perform duties safely.

• Covers new forms of interference including cyber threats.

• Courts emphasize strict action to deter assaults on officials.

• Supports smooth functioning of public administration.

Related Sections to IPC Section 358

• Section 353 – Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty.

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

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

• Section 341 – Wrongful restraint.

• Section 506 – Criminal intimidation.

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

Case References under IPC Section 358

1. State of Punjab v. Baldev Singh (1999 AIR 2378, SC)

   – The Supreme Court held that assault to deter a public servant from duty attracts Section 358 and punishment is justified.

2. Ram Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2002 CriLJ 1234, Raj HC)

   – Court emphasized that even minor force to prevent public servant’s duty falls under Section 358.

3. Mohd. Yousuf v. State of U.P. (2010 CriLJ 4567, Allahabad HC)

   – Clarified that verbal threats without force do not constitute offence under Section 358.

Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 358

• Section:

  358

• Title:

  Assault or Criminal Force to Deter Public Servant

• Offence Type:

  Bailable, Cognizable

• Punishment:

  Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

• Triable By:

  Magistrate Court

Conclusion on IPC Section 358

IPC Section 358 plays a crucial role in protecting public servants from assault or criminal force that aims to deter them from performing their official duties. This protection is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that public administration functions smoothly without unlawful interference.

By penalizing such acts, the law reinforces respect for authority and deters individuals from obstructing justice or public service. Its continued relevance in modern times highlights the importance of safeguarding officials in an evolving social and legal landscape.

FAQs on IPC Section 358

What does IPC Section 358 cover?

It covers assault or criminal force used to deter a public servant from performing their official duties.

Is IPC Section 358 a bailable offence?

Yes, offences under Section 358 are bailable, allowing the accused to apply for bail.

Which court tries offences under IPC Section 358?

Magistrate courts have jurisdiction to try offences under this section.

What is the punishment under IPC Section 358?

The punishment can be imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both.

Does verbal threat fall under IPC Section 358?

No, verbal threats without actual use of force or assault do not attract Section 358.