IPC 187 - Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give such assistance
Description of IPC 187
Description of IPC Section 187
According to section 187 of Indian penal code, Whoever, being bound by law to render or furnish assistance to any public servant in the execution of his public duty, intentionally omits to give such assistance, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both; and if such assistance be demanded of him by a public servant legally competent to make such demand for the purposes of executing any process lawfully issued by a Court of Justice, or of preventing the commission of an offence, or suppressing a riot, or affray, or of apprehending a person charged with or guilty of an offence, or of having escaped from lawful custody, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
IPC 187
| Offence | Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give such assistance |
| Punishment | Simple Imprisonment for 1 Month or Fine or Both |
| Cognizance | Cognizable |
| Bail | Bailable |
| Triable | Magistrate Court |
Up to 1 month imprisonment, or a fine up to ?200, or both. If assistance is for preventing a crime or apprehending an offender, up to 6 months imprisonment, or a fine up to ?500, or both.
IPC 187 in Simple Words
In simple words, Section 187 of the Indian Penal Code states that if someone fails to assist a public servant when legally required to do so, they may be punished with imprisonment or fine. If the assistance is demanded for specific purposes like preventing a crime or apprehending an offender, the punishment may be more severe.
Importance and Practical application
IPC Section 187 underscores the responsibility of citizens to support public servants in the performance of their duties, reinforcing the idea that community cooperation is vital for effective law enforcement.
Practical application:
Examples: Refusing to help a police officer in executing a legal order. Legal Consequences: Ensures cooperation with public servants in their official duties.Conclusion
By mandating assistance to public servants, especially in critical situations like crime prevention or offender apprehension, this provision aims to foster a collaborative relationship between the public and law enforcement. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of society in upholding law and order.