IPC 157: Harbouring Persons Hired for Unlawful Assembly in India
1. Code:
Section 157 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of harbouring persons who have been hired for the purpose of an unlawful assembly.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
