Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance is a punishable offence under which one of the following Sections of the BNS 2023?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (b) Section 222.

Explanation

Section 222 of the BNS 2023 (which corresponds to Section 187 of the IPC) deals specifically with the "Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance".

• The Provision: It states that whoever, being bound by law to render assistance to a public servant in the execution of their public duty, intentionally omits to give such assistance, shall be punished.
• Categories of Punishment:
• General Omission: If the omission relates to a general public duty, the punishment is simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or both.
• Specific Emergency: If the assistance is specifically demanded by a public servant for the purpose of executing a legal process, preventing a breach of the peace, or suppressing an affray/riot, the punishment is more severe—extending to six months of simple imprisonment, or a fine up to ten thousand rupees, or both.

Context of Other Sections

The other sections mentioned in your options deal with different contempts of lawful authority:

• (a) Section 221: Obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions.
• (c) Section 223: Disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant (commonly used for violations of Section 144 orders).
• (d) Section 224: Threat of injury to a public servant to deter them from their duty.