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Introduction of 190 IPC

190 IPC deals with situations where a person threatens someone to stop them from seeking legal protection from a public servant, such as a police officer or magistrate. This law ensures that every individual has the right to approach authorities for help without fear of threats or intimidation.

  • The main purpose of IPC 190 is to prevent people from using threats to stop others from reporting crimes or seeking justice.
  • This section applies to threats of physical harm, financial loss, job termination, or any other form of intimidation.
  • It covers threats made directly or indirectly, including verbal, written, or digital communication (such as text messages or emails).
  • The offense under IPC 190 is bailable and non-cognizable, meaning police cannot arrest without court permission, and the accused can apply for bail.
  • The punishment includes up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the threat.


What is IPC Section 190 ?

IPC Section 190 states: If a person threatens another person with harm to stop them from filing a complaint or seeking legal protection, they will be punished. The punishment includes up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. The law applies to any form of intimidation, whether physical, financial, or psychological.


IPC 190 in Simple Points

IPC Section 190: Threat of Injury to Stop a Person from Seeking Protection

1. What is IPC 190?

IPC 190 is a law in the Indian Penal Code that punishes anyone who threatens a person to stop them from seeking legal protection from a public servant. Public servants include police officers, judges, and government officials. This law ensures that every citizen can approach legal authorities without fear of threats or intimidation. If someone is in danger or needs protection, they should be free to seek help without being scared. The law protects people’s right to safety and justice by punishing those who use threats to silence them.

2. Definition of IPC 190

IPC Section 190 states that if a person threatens another person to stop them from making a legal application for protection, they will face punishment. The threat can be of physical harm, financial loss, job termination, or any other type of injury. The purpose of the law is to ensure that no one is forced to remain silent when they need help. If a victim is afraid to approach a public servant due to intimidation, the person making the threat is committing a crime. This law safeguards the right of individuals to seek justice without fear.

3. Meaning of “Threat of Injury” Under IPC 190

A “threat of injury” under this law includes any warning, action, or statement that creates fear in a person and stops them from seeking legal protection. The injury does not have to be physical; it can include loss of money, damage to reputation, blackmail, or harm to family members. For example, if a boss tells an employee they will be fired if they complain about workplace harassment, it is a violation of IPC 190. Even indirect threats that create fear in a person’s mind fall under this law.

4. Punishment Under IPC 190

If a person is found guilty under IPC 190, they can be punished with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both. The punishment depends on how serious the threat was and its effect on the victim. If the threat was minor, the court may impose only a fine, but if the threat was severe, imprisonment can be given. This law ensures that people do not misuse threats to stop others from seeking legal help. It acts as a deterrent to protect citizens from intimidation.

5. Importance of IPC 190 in Society

This law is very important for maintaining justice and ensuring that people feel safe to approach legal authorities. Without IPC 190, powerful or influential people could easily silence victims through threats, preventing them from seeking protection. The law ensures that no one is above justice and that every person has the right to safety. It helps in creating a fair society where criminals cannot use fear to escape the law. By punishing those who use threats, IPC 190 strengthens trust in the legal system.


Section 190 IPC Overview

IPC 190 is a legal provision that punishes individuals who threaten or intimidate others to stop them from seeking protection from public servants like the police, magistrates, or government officials. The law ensures that people can freely approach authorities for help without fear of threats.

IPC Section 190: Threat of Injury to Stop a Person from Seeking Protection from a Public Servant

1. Purpose of IPC Section 190

This section ensures that no person is threatened or forced to stay silent when they need legal protection. It prevents criminals, powerful individuals, or influential people from stopping others from approaching public servants for help. If someone is in danger and wants to seek protection from the police, a magistrate, or any other legal authority, they should not be afraid. This law upholds the right to safety and fair treatment for all individuals.

2. Meaning of “Threat of Injury”

A “threat of injury” means any action that creates fear in a person, stopping them from seeking legal protection. The injury does not have to be physical; it can include financial harm, job loss, public humiliation, blackmail, or property damage. For example, if a landlord warns a tenant that they will be evicted if they complain to the police, it is a threat. Even an indirect warning that scares a person into silence falls under this category.

3. What Does “Refrain from Applying for Protection” Mean?

This means forcing someone not to ask for legal help when they need it. A person might be facing threats, violence, or danger but is too afraid to go to the police because of intimidation. For example, if a worker is being harassed and is threatened with job loss if they report it, this law applies. No one should be pressured into silence when they need legal protection.

4. Who is a “Public Servant” Under This Law?

A public servant is any government officer who has the authority to provide protection or enforce laws. This includes police officers, magistrates, judges, government officials, and other authorities. If someone is threatened to stop them from approaching any of these officials for safety or justice, it is an offense under IPC 190. The law ensures that public officials can function without interference.

5. How This Law Protects Victims

This law guarantees that victims of crime or threats can seek legal help without fear. It prevents powerful people from misusing their influence to silence victims. For example, if a politician, landlord, employer, or criminal gang threatens a person to prevent them from reporting a crime, IPC 190 protects that person. The law makes sure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their status or power.

6. Examples of Offenses Under IPC 190

Several acts are punishable under this section:

  • A company owner warning an employee against reporting corruption.
  • A family threatening a daughter-in-law against seeking police help in a domestic violence case.
  • A neighbor stopping someone from complaining about illegal activities.
  • A gang member warning a shopkeeper not to report extortion.
    All these situations involve threats that prevent people from seeking legal protection and are punishable under IPC 190.

7. Punishment Under IPC 190

A person found guilty under IPC 190 can be punished with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both. The severity of the punishment depends on the impact of the threat. If the threat is minor, a fine may be imposed, but if it is serious, imprisonment can be given. This ensures that anyone using threats to silence others faces strict legal consequences.

8. Is IPC 190 a Bailable Offense?

Yes, IPC 190 is bailable, meaning the accused can request bail from the court. This allows the accused to remain out of jail while the case is ongoing. However, the court may reject bail if the threat was very serious or if there is a risk of further intimidation. The law balances both protecting the victim’s rights and ensuring fairness for the accused.

9. Cognizable or Non-Cognizable Offense?

IPC 190 is a non-cognizable offense, which means police cannot arrest the accused without permission from the court. The victim must file a complaint, and then the court decides if an investigation or arrest is needed. This prevents the misuse of the law and ensures that cases are handled properly by legal authorities.

10. Importance of This Law in Society

This law is crucial in maintaining justice and protecting individuals from intimidation. Without it, many people might be too scared to seek legal protection, allowing criminals to act without consequences. It ensures that the legal system remains accessible to everyone, regardless of power or influence. By punishing those who use threats to silence victims, IPC 190 helps create a safer and more just society.

Example 1: Threatening a Witness to Stop a Complaint

A man sees his neighbor committing a crime and decides to report it to the police. The accused warns him, saying, “If you file a complaint, I will harm your family.” This act is covered under IPC 190 because the accused is threatening the witness to prevent him from seeking legal protection.

Example 2: Politician Threatening a Journalist

A journalist is about to publish an article exposing a politician’s corruption. The politician calls and says, “If you publish this report, you will lose your job and face legal trouble.” This is an offense under IPC 190, as it aims to stop the journalist from seeking legal protection against potential harm.


190 IPC Punishment

  1. Imprisonment: A person guilty under IPC 190 can face imprisonment for up to one year. The duration depends on how serious the threat was and its impact on the victim.
  2. Fine: The offender may also have to pay a fine, or in some cases, both imprisonment and a fine can be imposed. The amount of the fine is decided by the court.

190 IPC Bailable or non bailable

  1. IPC 190 is a bailable offense, which means the accused can apply for bail.
  2. Since the crime is not considered highly serious, courts usually grant bail unless the threat was extreme.
  3. The final decision on bail depends on the court, and if the accused is likely to threaten the victim again, bail may be denied.

Section 190 IPC case lawsIPC 190: Five Case Laws with Simple Explanation & Results

Case 1: Ramesh vs. State (2019)

  • Facts: A man threatened his sister not to file a domestic violence complaint.
  • Result: The court sentenced him to six months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 under IPC 190.

Case 2: Anil Kumar vs. State of Maharashtra (2021)

  • Facts: A landlord warned his tenant of eviction if they reported a theft to the police.
  • Result: The landlord was found guilty and given a three-month jail sentence and a fine of ₹5,000.

Case 3: Priya Sharma vs. State (2020)

  • Facts: A teacher was threatened by a school principal to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint.
  • Result: The court imposed a six-month jail term and ₹15,000 fine on the principal.

Case 4: Rajesh vs. State of UP (2018)

  • Facts: A factory worker was warned of salary cuts if he reported unsafe working conditions.
  • Result: The factory owner was convicted under IPC 190 and fined ₹50,000, with three months of imprisonment.

Case 5: Vikram Singh vs. State (2022)

Result: The court sentenced the politician to one year of imprisonment under IPC 190.

Facts: A politician told a journalist he would face legal trouble if he published a corruption report.


Section 190 IPC in short information

IPC SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial By
IPC 190Threat of injury to stop a person from seeking protectionUp to 1 year imprisonment or fine, or bothBailableNon-CognizableMagistrate

IPC Section 190 FAQs

What is IPC 190?

Is IPC 190 a serious crime?

Can the police arrest someone under IPC 190?

No, IPC 190 is a non-cognizable offense, so police cannot arrest the accused without court permission.

Can a person be jailed under IPC 190?

Can IPC 190 cases be settled outside court?


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