IPC Section 188 - Disobedience to order duly p romulgated by public servant

188. Disobedience to order duly p romulgated by public servant. Whoever, knowing that, by an

order promulgated by a public servant lawfully empowered to promulgate such order, he is directed to

abstain from a certain act, or to take certai n order with certain property in his possession or under his

management, disobeys such direction,

shall, if such disobedience causes or tends to cause obstruction, annoyance or injury, or risk of

obstruction, annoyance or injury, to any persons lawfully em ployed, be punished with simple

imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to two hundred

rupees, or with both;

and if such disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health or safety, or causes or

tends to cause a riot or affray, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which

may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Explanation.-- It is not necessary that the offender should intend to produce harm, or contemplate his

disobedience as likely to produce harm. It is sufficient that he knows of the order which he disobeys, and

that his disobedience produces, or is likely to produce, harm.

Illustration

An order is promulgated by a public servant lawfully empowered to promulgate such order, directing that a religious

procession shall not pass down a certain street. A knowingly disobeys the order, and thereby causes danger of riot. A has

committed the offence defined in this section.