BNS 224

---

Introduction of BNS 224

BNS 224 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita focuses on protecting public servants from being threatened or pressured in any way that affects their duties. It criminalizes threats made to a public servant or to a person close to them with the intent of influencing their actions related to their official functions. This section ensures that public servants can perform their duties without fear or coercion and imposes penalties on those who try to interfere.

---

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 224 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 189.

---

---

What is BNS Section 224 ?

BNS Section 224 criminalizes threats made to public servants to influence their official actions. If someone threatens a public servant or a person close to them in order to make the public servant act, delay, or refrain from doing their duties, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to 2 years, a fine, or both.

---

---

BNS 224 in Simple Points

1. Scope of Threat:
   This section applies to both direct and indirect threats. Whether the threat is made in person, over the phone, through written communication, or by any other means, it is still a violation of this law. The threat can target the public servant or someone they care about. This broad scope ensures that no form of intimidation is acceptable.
2. Connection to Official Acts:
   For the section to apply, the threat must be linked to the public servant’s work. If the threat is related to a personal matter or has no connection to their duties, this section would not be applicable. The threat must be aimed at influencing a decision or action taken as part of the public servant’s official role.
3. Imprisonment and Fine:
   The law provides for a combination of punishment methods. Depending on the gravity of the offense, the offender can be imprisoned for up to 2 years, fined, or both. This dual penalty system gives the court flexibility to impose punishments based on the nature of the threat.
4. Legal Procedure:
   Since it is a non-cognizable offense, the police cannot arrest the accused without getting permission from the court. This legal safeguard ensures that arrests are made only after judicial review. The bailable nature of the offense also provides the accused with the opportunity to seek bail during the trial.
5. Judicial Process:
   Cases under BNS Section 224 are tried by any magistrate, meaning that the trial does not need to be conducted in a high court. This makes it easier for cases to be processed and ensures quicker judgments. However, because it is a non-compoundable offense, the case cannot be settled outside court, and the accused must go through the entire judicial process.

---

Section 224 BNS Overview

BNS Section 224 is a crucial legal provision that protects public servants from threats and coercion that could influence their work. It applies to both direct threats and threats made to people close to the public servant. The section ensures that offenders can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or both, and it is bailable and non-compoundable, meaning the case cannot be settled outside of court. Public officials must be able to perform their duties without fear, and this section helps safeguard their impartiality and integrity.

BNS Section 224 – 10 Key Points in Detailed Explanation

1. Threat to Public Servant:
   This section deals with threats made to public servants, meaning any person employed in government work. The section makes it illegal for anyone to threaten harm to a public servant, especially to force them to act in a particular way or avoid taking action in connection to their duties. This includes both physical and mental harm.
2. Purpose of Threat:
   The threat must be made with the intent to influence the public servant’s decisions. For example, if a person threatens a government official to delay or stop an investigation, it would fall under this section. The intent is to interfere with the proper functioning of the government.
3. Target of Threat:
   The threat can be directed not only at the public servant but also at a person they care about or someone they have a connection with. This ensures that even indirect threats to people close to the public servant are covered, preventing loopholes where someone might threaten a family member to influence the official.
4. Link to Official Duty:
   The threat must be directly connected to the public servant’s official duties. It applies to situations where the threat is aimed at forcing the public servant to do something (like issuing a permit) or refrain from doing something (like halting a legal process).
5. Punishment of Imprisonment:
   If convicted, the offender can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison. The term of imprisonment will vary depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances under which the threat was made.
6. Fine as Punishment:
   Apart from imprisonment, the law also allows for a fine to be imposed on the offender. The amount of the fine is not specified but is at the discretion of the court, depending on the case.
7. Non-Cognizable Offense:
   A non-cognizable offense means that the police cannot arrest the person without a warrant from a magistrate. In such cases, the police must seek permission from the court before proceeding with any action against the accused.
8. Bailable Offense:
   The offense is bailable, which means the accused can apply for bail and may not have to stay in jail during the trial. Bail allows the person to be released from custody on certain conditions until the court hears the case.
9. Triable by Magistrate:
   Cases under BNS Section 224 are tried by any magistrate. This means that it doesn’t require a higher court, and local magistrates can hear and decide the case based on the evidence and facts presented.
10. Non-Compoundable Offense:
    BNS Section 224 is a non-compoundable offense, meaning the parties involved cannot settle the matter out of court. The case must go through the legal process, and the court must issue a ruling, even if both parties agree to settle outside.

BNS Section 224 – 2 Examples

1. Example 1:
   A businessman threatens a government official who is in charge of issuing licenses. The businessman tells the official that if they do not grant him the license, he will harm the official’s family. The official delays the process due to fear. This action would fall under BNS Section 224, as it involves a threat to force the public servant to act against their duties.
2. Example 2:
   A person involved in a legal dispute sends threats to a judge, stating that they will cause damage to the judge’s property if the judge does not rule in their favor. The intent here is to make the judge act in a way that benefits the individual, which is covered under this section.

---

BNS 224 Punishment

1. Imprisonment: The maximum punishment is up to 2 years of imprisonment for threatening a public servant.
2. Fine: The offender can also be fined, or in some cases, both imprisonment and a fine may be applied.

---

BNS 224 bailable or not ?

BNS Section 224 is a bailable offense, meaning the accused can apply for bail and may be released from jail while the trial is ongoing.

---

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 224

Section	Offense	Punishment	Bailable/Non-Bailable	Cognizable/Non-Cognizable	Triable By
Section 224	Threat of injury to a public servant	Imprisonment up to 2 years, fine, or both	Bailable	Non-Cognizable	Any Magistrate

---

BNS Section 224 FAQs

---

If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Court or any other marriage-related issues, our https://marriagesolution.in/lawyer-help-1/ website may prove helpful. By completing our enquiry form and submitting it online, we can provide customized guidance to navigate through the process.

---