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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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

Study: explanations and related material

Now BNS 126 (changed). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p8

Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh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.

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