Code:
Whoever harbours, receives or assembles, in any house or premises in his occupation or charge, or under his control any persons knowing that such persons have been hired, engaged or employed, or are about to be hired, engaged or employed, to join or become members of an unlawful assembly, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation:
Section 157 states that whoever, knowing that any person has been hired for the purpose of being a member of an unlawful assembly, harbors or conceals such person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
Illustration:
Example: A group of people is hired to disrupt a public meeting. They are paid to create a disturbance and intimidate the attendees. X, knowing that these individuals have been hired for this purpose, provides them with shelter and hides them from the authorities. X would be liable under Section 157 of the IPC.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: What is an unlawful assembly?
A: An unlawful assembly is a gathering of five or more people with a common object to commit an unlawful act or to use criminal force.
Q: What constitutes “harbouring” under this section?
A: Harbouring can be any act that provides shelter, concealment, or assistance to the person hired for the unlawful assembly. This can include providing food, clothing, or other forms of support.
Q: Does the person harbouring need to be aware of the specific unlawful act intended?
A: Yes, the person harbouring must know that the person they are harbouring has been hired for the purpose of being a member of an unlawful assembly.
Q: What is the punishment for violating Section 157?
A: The punishment for violating Section 157 is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
