BNS Section 195
What punishment does the law prescribe for assaulting a public servant during a riot?
Short answer
You may be sentenced to up to three years in jail, fined at least ₹25,000, or both.
In detail
If you physically assault or block a public servant—such as a police officer—while they are trying to break up an illegal gathering or stop a riot, the law treats this as a serious offence. You can be sent to prison for a period that may be as long as three years. In addition, the court must impose a fine that cannot be lower than twenty‑five thousand rupees, and it may order both imprisonment and the fine together. Even if you only threaten to assault, try to block, or attempt to use force against the public servant in the same situation, the punishment is still severe but lower: up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. These provisions aim to protect officials carrying out their duties to maintain public order and to deter any interference that could worsen unrest.
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 fined only for threatening a police officer during a protest?
- Does this law apply to all public servants, not just police?
- What is the difference in punishment between assault and threat?
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.