IPC Section 339: Wrongful restraint

Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 16: Offences affecting the Human Body

Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person so as to prevent that person from proceeding in any direction in which that person has right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person.

Exception: - The obstruction of a private way over land or water which a person in good faith believes himself to have lawful right to obstruct, is not an offence within the meaning of this section.

Illustration

A obstructs a path along which Z has a right to pass. A not believing in good faith that he has a right to stop the path. Z is thereby prevented from passing. A wrongfully restrains Z.

Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.

Other sections in this chapter