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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

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