Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 221
Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
In one line
BNS Section 221 deals with obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions and replaces IPC 186.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | Obstructing public servant in discharge of his public functions. | Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 2,500 rupees, or both. | Non-cognizable. | Bailable. | Any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 221
221. Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.
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 two thousand and five hundred rupees, or with both.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 186 → BNS 221: Upper limit of fine is increased from five hundred to two thousand and five hundred rupees.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 221 in the IPC?
BNS Section 221 (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) replaces Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 186 is now BNS 221.
What is the punishment under BNS 221?
Obstructing public servant in discharge of his public functions – punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand and five hundred rupees, or with both. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 221 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 221. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 216 — False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
- BNS 217 — False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to injury of another person
- BNS 218 — Resistance to taking of property by lawful authority of a public servant
- BNS 219 — Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- BNS 220 — Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- BNS 222 — Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance
- BNS 223 — Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant
- BNS 224 — Threat of injury to public servant
- BNS 225 — Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant
- BNS 226 — Attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain exercise of lawful power