IPC Section 174 — Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant

contempt's the lawful authority public servants

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹500, or both

As the section puts it: “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”

Summary

A person who is legally required to appear in person or send a representative to a specific place and time because of a summons, notice, order, or proclamation from a lawful public official, and who deliberately does not show up or leaves before being allowed to leave, can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever, being legally bound to attend in person or by an agent at a certain place and time in obedience to a summons, notice, order, or proclamation proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue the same, intentionally omits to attend at that place or time, or departs from the place where he is bound to attend before the time at which it is lawful for him to depart, 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;

Related Judgments

  • SANJAY BHANDARI vs STATE (NCT OF DELHI) — Delhi High Court (2018)
  • with Mr. Arshdeep Singh Khurana, Ms.; Sulakshan; Vedartham; Ms.; Khush vs DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • VICTORIANO P. DUNGCA vs R.L. THAPLIYAL — Delhi High Court (2009)
  • DR SAROJ SHARMA vs THE STATE GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • MOHD AMAN RANA vs THE STATE — Delhi High Court (2026)
  • Reserved on: 22nd March, 2012; Decided on: 1st June, 2012; RAKESH KUM vs NCT OF DELHI & ANR — Delhi High Court (2012)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §208 — Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant