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Section 221: Obstructing Public Servant in Discharge of Public Functions

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Chapter XI: Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants • Official Statutory Text & Legal Guide

Chapter XI: Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants
Any Magistrate
Bailable
Non-Cognizable
Formerly Sec 186 IPC
Section 220 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 222

BNSS First Schedule Legal Classification

Procedural Trial, Bail & Arrest Mandate under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Official BNSS Schedule I
Offence / Provision Statutory Punishment Bail Status Cognizance Trial Jurisdiction Old IPC Equivalent
Section 221 BNS
Obstructing Public Servant in Discharge of Public Functions
 Sec 221(1): Simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹2,500, or both; Sec 221(2) (Danger/Riot): Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both. Bailable Non-Cognizable Any Magistrate Formerly Sec 186 IPC
Statutory classification established under the First Schedule of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Governs all FIR registrations, bail hearings, and criminal trial jurisdictions in Indian courts.

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 221

Section 221 penalises voluntarily obstructing any public servant in the discharge of their public functions, protecting public administration from unlawful interference.

  • Public Servant on Duty: The victim must be a public servant actively discharging an official public function.
  • Voluntary Act: The obstruction must be voluntary, intentional, and direct.
  • Actual Obstruction: The act must interpose an actual physical or practical impediment preventing or hindering official performance.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Durgacharan Naik v. State of Orissa AIR 1966 SC 1775: The Supreme Court distinguished Section 186 IPC (Section 221 BNS) from Section 353 IPC (Section 132 BNS), holding that mere obstruction without assault or force falls under this provision.
  • M.S. Ahlawat v. State of Haryana (2000) 1 SCC 278: Reaffirmed that prosecution under this section requires a formal written complaint under Section 195 CrPC (Section 215 BNSS) by the public servant concerned.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

A police FIR under Section 221 without a written complaint by the public servant is barred by Section 215 BNSS. Challenge maintainability immediately if registered as a direct FIR.

Section 220 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 222