Indian Penal Code Section 18
Section 18: Whoever, being in any public place, wilfully disturbs any assembly lawfully assembled, for any lawful purpose, by act or words, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.
Explanation
This section deals with the offence of obstructing or disrupting a lawful assembly in a public place. It punishes individuals who intentionally disturb or disrupt the assembly through their actions or words. The assembly must be lawful and assembled for a lawful purpose.
Illustration
- A person shouting slogans and distributing pamphlets during a peaceful protest in a public park, thereby disrupting the protest, would be liable under Section 18.
- A person playing loud music near a school during exam hours, disrupting the students’ concentration, would also be liable under this section.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What constitutes a “lawful assembly”?
A: A lawful assembly is a gathering of people for a legal purpose, such as a protest, a meeting, or a religious gathering.
Q: What constitutes a “public place”?
A: A public place is any place accessible to the general public, such as a park, a street, or a market.
Q: What are the punishments for violating Section 18?
A: The punishment for violating Section 18 includes imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to two hundred rupees, or both.
