IPC Section 186: Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 10: Contempts of Lawful Authority of Public Servants
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
¶CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
¶Punishment-Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 500 rupees, or both-Non-cognizable-Bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Non-compoundable.
¶State Amendment
¶Andhra Pradesh
¶Offence under section 186 is cognizable.
¶[Vide A.P.G.O. Ms. No. 732, dated 5th December, 1991]
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 221 (changed). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p14
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh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
- 172. Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
- 173. Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof
- 174. Non-attendance in obedience to an order form public servant
- 174A. Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 82 of Act 2 of 1974
- 175. Omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person legally bound to produce it
- 176. Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
- 177. Furnishing false information
- 178. Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it
- 179. Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
- 180. Refusing to sign statement
- 181. False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
- 182. False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person
- 183. Resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant
- 184. Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- 185. Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant
- 187. Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance
- 188. Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant
- 189. Threat of injury to public servant
- 190. Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant