BNS Section 193
What penalty applies if my land is used for an unlawful assembly or riot and I didn't inform police?
Short answer
You can be fined up to ₹1,000 if you knew or should have known about the assembly or riot on your land and failed to notify police or take steps to prevent or disperse it.
In detail
Section 193 makes the owner, occupier or anyone with an interest in land responsible if an unlawful assembly or riot occurs there. If the person knows, or should reasonably have known, that such a gathering is happening or likely to happen, they must immediately inform the officer in charge at the nearest police station. They must also use every lawful means available to stop the assembly before it starts, and, if it does happen, to disperse it. Failing to give notice, to prevent the event, or to break it up attracts a fine that cannot exceed one thousand rupees. The same punishment applies when the riot is carried out for the benefit of the landowner, occupier or any claimant, and it also extends to their agents or managers who ignored the warning signs. In short, knowledge or reasonable belief of a planned or ongoing riot obliges the landholder to act; neglecting this duty results in a monetary penalty.
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People also ask
- What steps must a landowner take to avoid liability for a riot?
- Does the fine increase for repeated failure to prevent riots?
- Can an agent be punished even if the owner was unaware?
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.