CrPC Section 269: Officer’s Duty to Refuse Orders in Prison
This section outlines the crucial duty of prison officers in India to refuse unlawful orders given by superiors.
1. Code
Section 269 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 states:
“No officer in charge of a prison shall obey any order, or execute any warrant which he has reason to believe to be illegal or unauthorized.”
2. Explanation
- This section emphasizes the importance of adhering to the law and ensures that prison officers are not forced to carry out illegal orders.
- It empowers prison officers to exercise their judgment and refuse to comply with instructions that they deem unlawful.
- The section applies to all prison officers, irrespective of their rank or position.
3. Illustration
Imagine a situation where the Superintendent of a prison orders a prison officer to transfer a prisoner to a different prison without following the established legal procedures. The officer has reason to believe this order is illegal and unauthorized. Under Section 269, the officer is obligated to refuse this order and can explain the legal reasons for their refusal to the Superintendent.
4. Common Questions and Answers
- Q: What constitutes an illegal or unauthorized order?A: Any order that violates the provisions of the CrPC, the Prison Act, or other relevant laws, or is not issued by a competent authority can be considered illegal or unauthorized.
- Q: Can an officer face any consequences for refusing an order?A: While refusing an illegal order is a legal duty, an officer might be questioned or face disciplinary action. However, Section 269 provides a legal basis for their refusal, and they are protected by the law.
- Q: What should an officer do if they are unsure about the legality of an order?A: They should seek clarification from their superiors or consult with legal counsel before taking any action.
