Indian Penal Code Section 14: Definition of “Servant of Government”
Section 14 of the Indian Penal Code defines the term “servant of the government” for the purposes of the Code. This definition is crucial as several offenses under the IPC are specifically directed towards or committed by government servants.
Explanation
According to Section 14, a “servant of the Government” is anyone who:
- Holds any office under the Government (Central or State)
- Performs any duty for the Government (Central or State)
- Is paid by the Government (Central or State)
Illustrations
Here are some examples of individuals who would be considered “servants of the government” under Section 14:
- A police officer
- A teacher in a government school
- A clerk working in a government office
- A postman
- A railway employee
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Does a person have to be paid a salary to be considered a servant of the government?
A: No, as long as the person performs a duty for the government, even if they are not paid a salary, they would be considered a servant of the government under Section 14.
Q: Does a private company employee working on a government project qualify as a servant of the government?
A: No, a private company employee working on a government project would not be considered a servant of the government under Section 14.
Q: What is the significance of defining “servant of the government”?
A: This definition is crucial for determining who is liable for certain offenses under the IPC. For instance, offenses like bribery, criminal misconduct, or obstructing a public servant would only apply to individuals who are considered “servants of the government” according to Section 14.
