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Section 265: Resistance or Obstruction to Lawful Apprehension in Other Cases

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Chapter XII: Of Contempts of Lawful Authority of Public Servants • Official Statutory Text & Legal Guide

Chapter XII: Of Contempts of Lawful Authority of Public Servants
Any Magistrate
Bailable
Cognizable
Formerly Sec 225B IPC
Section 264 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 266

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 265

Section 265 penalises resistance or illegal obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody, in cases not otherwise specifically provided for.

  • Lawful Custody or Arrest: Lawful detention or apprehension in non-penal matters (e.g., civil debtor arrest, revenue custody).
  • Resistance or Escape: Offering resistance or breaking away from custody.
  • Residual Scope: Serves as the omnibus provision for non-penal custodial escapes.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • P. Parasuramaiah v. State of A.P. (1973) 2 SCC 669: Held that custody must be strictly lawful; escape from arbitrary or unauthorized confinement does not constitute an offence under the residual section.
  • State of Karnataka v. K. Gopala (1996) 2 SCC 528: Reiterated that procedural legitimacy of the apprehension is the prerequisite for penalizing resistance.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

Challenge the legal basis of the civil or revenue warrant. If the issuing authority failed to follow mandatory pre-arrest notice requirements, the custody is illegal.

Section 264 All 358 Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 266