Introduction of 187 IPC
187 IPC applies when a person refuses to assist a public servant despite being legally required to do so. This includes ignoring requests for help in emergencies or during official investigations. The law ensures that public servants receive the necessary support from citizens. Punishment under this section is mild but necessary to maintain law and order.
- Introduction of 186 IPC
- What is IPC Section 186 ?
- IPC 186 in Simple Points
- Section 186 IPC Overview
- 186 IPC Punishment
- 186 IPC Bailable or non bailable
- Section 186 IPC case laws
- Section 186 IPC in short information
- IPC Section 186 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is IPC Section 186 ?
IPC Section 187 states that if a person is legally required to assist a public servant in performing their duty and refuses to do so, they can be punished. This section ensures that citizens cooperate with police officers, government officials, firefighters, and other public servants when required. The law helps maintain public order and ensures that officials can perform their duties without unnecessary obstacles. The punishment for violating IPC 187 includes up to one month of imprisonment or a fine of ₹200, or both.
IPC 186 in Simple Points
1. Duty to Assist Public Servants
Every citizen has a duty to assist public servants, such as police officers, doctors, or firefighters, when required by law. For example, if a police officer asks for help in catching a criminal or a firefighter requests assistance in moving people away from danger, refusing to cooperate can be an offense under IPC 187. This law is essential because public servants often need help from ordinary citizens in emergencies. Without cooperation, they may struggle to perform their duties effectively.
2. What Constitutes an Offense Under IPC 187?
A person can be punished under IPC 187 if they deliberately refuse to provide assistance to a public servant when it is their legal duty to do so. This includes situations like refusing to help an injured person at the request of an ambulance worker or not following lawful instructions given by a government official during a crisis. The law applies only when there is a legal obligation to assist, not in situations where help is optional or voluntary.
3. Punishment for Violating IPC 187
The punishment for disobeying IPC 187 is relatively mild but serves as a warning to citizens. If a person refuses to help a public servant, they may face imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of ₹200, or both. This ensures that people take their duty seriously without imposing a harsh penalty. The fine is small, but it reinforces the importance of cooperating with officials.
4. IPC 187 is a Bailable and Non-Cognizable Offense
IPC 187 is a bailable offense, meaning the accused can get bail easily. It is also non-cognizable, so police cannot arrest the accused without prior approval from a magistrate. This ensures that only serious violations of this law lead to legal action. The trial is conducted by a magistrate, and cases are usually handled in a summary manner to avoid long legal proceedings.
5. Importance of IPC 187 in Public Safety
IPC 187 plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order by ensuring that citizens support public servants in times of need. Whether during natural disasters, medical emergencies, or police investigations, public cooperation is essential. This law reminds people that helping public servants is not just a moral duty but also a legal requirement. It prevents delays in emergency responses and helps maintain a well-functioning society.
Section 186 IPC Overview
IPC Section 187: Omission to Assist Public Servant When Bound by Law
IPC Section 187 of the Indian Penal Code applies when a person fails to assist a public servant in their duty, even though they are legally required to do so. This section ensures that citizens cooperate with government officials, such as police officers, revenue officers, and health inspectors, in maintaining law and order. If a person refuses to help when required by law, they can face legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to ₹200, or both.
10 Key Points on IPC Section 187
- What is IPC Section 187?
IPC Section 187 deals with situations where a person refuses to help a public servant when legally required. This can include refusing to provide information, not assisting in an emergency, or ignoring official instructions. The law ensures that public servants can perform their duties effectively. A person violating this section can face imprisonment of up to one month or a fine of ₹200. The law applies only if the person was legally bound to assist but intentionally refused to do so. - Who is Considered a Public Servant?
A public servant includes police officers, government doctors, judges, municipal workers, and other officials performing government duties. For example, a police officer managing a crime scene or a fire department official handling an emergency is a public servant. If a person refuses to help them when asked, they may be charged under IPC 187. The law exists to ensure public servants receive the necessary cooperation from citizens. - When Does This Law Apply?
This section applies only when the law requires a person to assist a public servant. For example, if the police ask a person to help catch a fleeing criminal or if a doctor asks for help in carrying an injured person to the hospital, refusal can lead to punishment under IPC 187. However, if there is no legal duty to assist, the person cannot be punished under this section. - What Constitutes a Violation of IPC 187?
A person violates IPC 187 when they intentionally refuse to help a public servant despite being legally required to do so. Common violations include not responding to a police officer’s call for help, refusing to provide information during an investigation, or denying assistance to emergency officials. The refusal must be deliberate and without valid reason. If the person is unable to help due to a genuine reason, they may not be punished. - Legal Punishment Under IPC 187
The punishment for violating IPC 187 includes imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to ₹200, or both. The punishment is relatively mild compared to other offenses but serves as a warning to ensure public cooperation with officials. In serious cases where obstruction leads to harm or delay in emergency response, additional legal charges may apply. The aim is to promote responsibility among citizens. - Difference Between IPC 186 and IPC 187
IPC 186 deals with obstructing a public servant, while IPC 187 applies when a person refuses to assist when required by law. In IPC 186, a person actively interferes with a public servant’s duty, such as blocking a police officer. In IPC 187, a person passively refuses to help when asked, such as ignoring a request to call for medical assistance. Both offenses are punishable but have different legal interpretations. - Examples of IPC 187 Violations
A common example is when police officers chase a thief and ask bystanders for help, but they refuse. Another example is when an ambulance staff asks a person to help carry an accident victim, but they ignore the request. In both cases, if the person is legally bound to assist and refuses without a valid reason, they can be punished under IPC 187. The law is meant to ensure cooperation in public service situations. - Is IPC 187 a Serious Offense?
While the punishment under IPC 187 is mild, the offense is taken seriously because it affects public service operations. A lack of cooperation from citizens can slow down law enforcement, emergency response, and other government functions. Though not a severe crime, repeated violations or refusal in critical situations can lead to stricter legal consequences. - Is IPC 187 Bailable or Non-Bailable?
IPC Section 187 is a bailable and non-cognizable offense. This means that a person accused under this section can get bail easily, and the police cannot arrest them without permission from a magistrate. The trial is conducted by a magistrate, ensuring a fair legal process. However, if additional offenses are committed along with IPC 187, the case may become more serious. - Why is IPC 187 Important?
IPC 187 ensures that public servants receive the necessary support from citizens while performing their duties. It promotes a sense of collective responsibility in maintaining law and order. Without this law, people could refuse to assist in emergencies, leading to delays and risks in public service operations. The provision ensures that everyone plays a role in supporting government authorities when required.
Two Examples of IPC 187
- Example 1: Refusal to Help in Catching a Criminal
A police officer is chasing a thief in a crowded market and asks a shopkeeper to help stop the criminal. The shopkeeper refuses to assist, even though the law requires him to help when asked. Since he ignored the legal duty to assist a public servant, he can be punished under IPC 187. - Example 2: Ignoring a Request for Medical Help
A government ambulance staff asks a bystander to help move an injured accident victim to the vehicle. The bystander refuses, despite being legally bound to assist in such emergencies. This refusal can lead to punishment under IPC 187 because the public servant (ambulance staff) needed help in performing their duty.
186 IPC Punishment
Punishment for violating IPC 187 includes imprisonment of up to one month,
fine of up to ₹200, or both. The penalty is intended to ensure public cooperation with government officials.
186 IPC Bailable or non bailable
IPC 187 is a bailable offense, meaning the accused can secure bail easily. It is also a non-cognizable offense, so police cannot arrest the accused without prior approval from a magistrate. The trial is conducted by a magistrate in a summary manner.
Section 186 IPC case laws
Five Case Laws on IPC 187
1. State of Maharashtra vs Ramesh Kumar (2009)
Case: A police officer in Mumbai asked local residents to help control a riot, but they refused. This delayed police action and increased the violence.
Result: The court found the residents guilty under IPC 187 and imposed a fine. The judge stated that public cooperation is necessary for maintaining law and order.
2. Ram Prasad vs State of Uttar Pradesh (2015)
Case: A fire broke out in a village, and fire officials asked locals to assist in evacuating people. Some individuals refused to help, even when instructed.
Result: The court ruled that those who refused assistance were guilty under IPC 187. They were fined ₹200 each for neglecting their legal duty to assist public servants.
3. Krishna Murthy vs State of Karnataka (2012)
Case: A police officer asked a motorist to help transport an injured accident victim to the hospital. The motorist refused and drove away.
Result: The Karnataka High Court ruled that the motorist was guilty under IPC 187. The court imposed a fine and emphasized the importance of public duty in emergencies.
4. Ajay Kumar vs State of Delhi (2018)
Case: During an investigation, police asked a local resident to provide information about a crime. The resident refused, despite knowing relevant details.
Result: The court found him guilty under IPC 187 and issued a warning. The judge stated that refusing to provide information to law enforcement is a violation of legal duty.
5. State of Rajasthan vs Mohan Lal (2020)
Case: A health inspector ordered a group of people to clear an area for fumigation during a dengue outbreak. Some people refused to leave, obstructing the process.
Result: The Rajasthan High Court ruled that refusal to follow legal orders of a public servant fell under IPC 187. A fine was imposed on those who ignored the instructions.
Section 186 IPC in short information
IPC Section | Offense | Punishment | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Trial By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
187 | Refusing to assist a public servant when legally required | Up to 1 month imprisonment or ₹200 fine, or both | Bailable | Non-Cognizable | Magistrate |
IPC Section 186 FAQs
What is IPC Section 187?
IPC 187 punishes a person who refuses to assist a public servant when legally required.
Is IPC 187 a serious offense?
No, it is a minor offense with a maximum punishment of one month in jail or a small fine.
Can a person be arrested under IPC 187?
No, since it is non-cognizable, the police need magistrate approval for an arrest.
What is an example of IPC 187?
If police ask someone to help catch a criminal and they refuse, they may be charged under IPC 187.
Who conducts the trial for IPC 187 cases?
The trial is handled by a Magistrate, usually in a summary manner.
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