IPC Section 186 — Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions

Summary

This section makes it an offence to intentionally block or hinder a government official while they are doing their official duties. The punishment for this can be imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

• SC (2025) Vol.8 p.1095 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (1951) Vol.1 p.303 — Supreme Court of India (1951)
• SC (2025) Vol.5 p.1306 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• DURGACHARAN NAIK AND ORS v. STATE OF ORISSA F — Supreme Court of India (1966)
• SC (2025) Vol.1 p.12 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
• SC (2024) Vol.8 p.935 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
• SC (1952) Vol.1 p.435 — Supreme Court of India (1952)
• Petitioner vs 1. The State, represented by — Madras High Court (2013)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §221 — Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions