BNS Section 132
What are the penalties for assaulting a public servant during their duties?
Short answer
You can face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
In detail
The law says that if you assault or use criminal force against a public servant while they are carrying out their official duties, or if you do it to stop or scare them from doing their job, you can be punished. The punishment can be up to two years in prison. You might also have to pay a fine, or you could face both prison time and a fine. The law does not say anything about how the assault must happen; it covers any assault or criminal force that meets the description. It also covers situations where the assault is meant to deter the public servant from doing their duty. This means the law protects public servants from being harmed or threatened while they are doing their job. The section also says that the assault can be committed with intent to prevent or deter the public servant from performing their duty, or as a consequence of something the public servant did while lawfully carrying out their job.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- Can I be charged if I only threatened a public servant?
- What is considered 'criminal force' under this section?
- Does this law apply to private employees?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.