IPC 137 - Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel, through negligence of master or person in charge thereof

Description of IPC 137

Description of IPC Section 137 According to section 137 of Indian penal code, The master or person in charge of a merchant vessel, on board of which any deserter from the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India is concealed, shall, though ignorant of such concealment, be liable to a penalty not exceeding five hundred rupees, if he might have known of such concealment but for some neglect of his duty as such master or person in charge, or but for some want of discipline on board of the vessel. IPC 137

Offence	Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel, through negligence of master or person in charge thereof
Punishment	Fine
Cognizance	Cognizable
Bail	Bailable
Triable	Magistrate

Who is Liable: The master or person in charge of a merchant vessel where a deserter from the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force is concealed. Act Prohibited Concealment of a deserter from the armed forces on board a merchant vessel due to negligence or lack of discipline.
Fine of Up to ?500: The master or person in charge can be fined up to ?500 if they were unaware of the concealment due to negligence.

IPC 137 in Simple Words

If a deserter from the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force is hidden on a merchant vessel, and the master or person in charge could have known about it but neglected their duty or lacked discipline, they can be penalized with a fine of up to five hundred rupees, even if they were unaware of the concealment.

Importance and Practical application

IPC Section 137 ensures accountability within the maritime industry by penalizing negligence in concealing deserters on merchant vessels. It helps maintain order and discipline in both military and civilian sectors, preventing the harboring of individuals evading military duty and supporting the rule of law.

Practical application:

Examples: A deserter from the army hides on a merchant ship, and the captain neglects to ensure proper checks, leading to a fine. Legal Consequences: This section imposes financial penalties to encourage vigilance on merchant vessels.

Conclusion

IPC Section 137 imposes a fine for negligence in allowing a deserter to be concealed on a merchant vessel.IPC Section 137 imposes a fine for negligence in allowing a deserter to be concealed on a merchant vessel.