BNS Section 195 — Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc

CHAPTER XI OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE PUBLIC TRANQUILLITY

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine not less than ₹25,000, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees, or with both”

Summary

Sub-section (1) covers a person who assaults a public servant, obstructs a public servant, or uses criminal force on a public servant while that servant is doing their duty in trying to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray. The punishment for this is imprisonment of either kind for up to three years, or a fine of at least twenty-five thousand rupees, or both.

Sub-section (2) covers a person who threatens to assault, attempts to obstruct, or threatens or attempts to use criminal force on a public servant while that servant is doing their duty in trying to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray. The punishment for this is imprisonment of either kind for up to one year, or a fine, or both.

Official Text

(1) Whoever assaults or obstructs any public servant or uses criminal force on any public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant in endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees, or with both.

(2) Whoever threatens to assault or attempts to obstruct any public servant or threatens or attempts to use criminal force to any public servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant in endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Referred to by

Related Judgments

  • ADARSH KUMAR HANDA vs GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF, DELHI AND ORS — Delhi High Court (2024)
  • AMANDEEP GILL & ANR vs THE STATE GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2024)
  • JASWINDER SINGH vs GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • IPC §152 — Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc