IPC Section 136: Harbouring deserter
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 7: Offences relating to the Army, Navy and Air Force
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶Whoever, except as hereinafter excepted, knowing or having reason to believe that an officer, soldier, 1[sailor or airman], in the Army, 2[Navy or Air Force] of the 3[Government of India], has deserted, harbours such officer, soldier, 1[sailor or airman], shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine or with both.
¶Exception.—This provision does not extend to the case in which the harbour is given by a wife to her husband.
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¶1. Subs. by Act 10 of 1927, s. 2 and the First Sch., for “or sailor”.
¶2. Subs. by s. 2 and the First Sch., ibid., for “or Navy”.
¶3. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “Queen”.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 164 (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p10
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 131. Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty
- 132. Abetment of mutiny, if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof
- 133. Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office
- 134. Abetment of such assault, if the assault is committed
- 135. Abetment of desertion of soldier, sailor or airman
- 137. Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel through negligence of master
- 138. Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman
- 138A. Application of foregoing sections to the Indian Marine Service
- 139. Persons subject to certain Acts
- 140. Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman