IPC Section 172 — Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding

Summary

If a person hides or runs away to avoid receiving a summons, notice, or order from a government official who has the legal authority to issue it, that person can be punished. The punishment may be simple imprisonment for up to one month, or a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both. If the summons, notice, or order requires the person to appear in court (either in person or through a representative) or to produce a document or electronic record, the punishment increases to simple imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons, notice or order proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both; or, if the summons or notice or order is to attend in person or by agent, or to produce a document or electronic record in a Court of Justice, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.3 p.1448 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.117 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• T.Hemalatha ... Petitioner in W.P.No.23854/2002 vs 1. The Sub-Inspector of Police, — Madras High Court (2002)
• ISHW AR SINGH BAGGA & ORS. ETC v. STATE OF RAJASTHAN ETC — Supreme Court of India (1987)
• SUNIL TYAGI v. GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR — High Court of Delhi (2021)
• SC (2024) Vol.3 p.421 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• KAMLAPATI TRIVEDI v. STATE OF WEST BENGAL D — Supreme Court of India (1979)
• STATE OF KERALA v. BABU AND ORS. MAY 4, 1999 B — Supreme Court of India (1999)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §206 — Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding