221. Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand and five hundred rupees, or with both.
IPC Section 186 in BNS: Section 221
Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) corresponds to Section 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 221 is non-cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 2,500 rupees, or both.
Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | Obstructing public servant in discharge of his public functions. | Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 2,500 rupees, or both. | Non-cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed earlier are charged and tried under the IPC.
Text of BNS Section 221
Full BNS Section 221 and every IPC section it replaced →
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