BNS Section 222
What is the penalty for refusing to help a public servant?
Short answer
You may be sentenced to up to one month in jail or a fine up to ₹2,500, and up to six months or ₹5,000 if the aid is for certain duties.
In detail
If the law requires you to give help to a public officer—such as a police officer, court official, or any officer carrying out a legal duty—and you deliberately refuse, the law treats this as an offence. For a plain refusal, the punishment can be a short term of imprisonment that may last up to one month, a monetary fine that may be as high as ₹2,500, or both. However, when the officer asks for help to carry out a court order, stop a crime, control a riot, catch a suspect, or retrieve someone who has escaped lawful custody, the penalty is higher. In those cases, you can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to ₹5,000, or face both punishments. The law applies only when the refusal is intentional and you are legally bound to assist.
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
- What does it mean to be 'bound by law' to assist a public servant?
- Are there different penalties for refusing a police officer versus a court official?
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.