IPC Section 136 — Harbouring deserter

offences relating to the army, navy and air force

Criminal

Summary

If a person knows or has reason to believe that an officer, soldier, sailor, or airman in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force has deserted their service, and they hide or shelter that person, they can be punished. The punishment can be imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both. There are certain exceptions to this rule, but those exceptions are not described in this section.

Official Text

Whoever, except as hereinafter excepted, knowing or having reason to believe that an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of the Government of India, has deserted, harbours such officer, soldier, sailor or airman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine or with both.

Related Judgments

  • EASTERN BOOK COMPANY & ORS v. D.B. MODAK &ANR — Supreme Court of India (2007)
  • J STATE THROUGH SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, CBI/SIT ETC v. NALINI AND ORS. ETC. ETC. MAY 11, 1999 — Supreme Court of India (1999)
  • SC (2025) Vol.5 p.522 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • S.C.R. 453 ,. A. SUBASH BABU v. STATE OF A.P.& ANR — Supreme Court of India (2011)
  • RAJA THI v. C. GANESAN JULY 22, 1999 — Supreme Court of India (1999)
  • ..Petitioner vs 1.The State of Tamil Nadu, — Madras High Court ()
  • CRL OP(MD)/3283/2017 — Madras High Court ()
  • LEHN A v. STATE OF HARYANA JANUARY 22, 2002 — Supreme Court of India (2002)

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