IPC Section 190: Threat to Prevent Application for Public Servant Protection

1. State the code:

Section 190 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of threatening a person to prevent them from applying for protection from a public servant.

2. Explain it:

This section states that whoever threatens any person with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one related to him, with the intention of preventing or deterring him from making any application to any public servant, or from instituting any prosecution or inquiry against any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

3. Illustrate it:

Consider a scenario where a person witnesses a public servant engaging in corrupt practices. They decide to report this misconduct to the higher authorities. However, the corrupt public servant, fearing exposure, threatens the witness with violence and harm to their family if they proceed with their complaint. This act would fall under Section 190 of the IPC as the public servant is attempting to deter the witness from applying for protection or taking legal action.

4. Common questions and answers regarding the code:

Q: What is the intent required for this offense?

The intent required is to prevent or deter the person from making an application to a public servant, or from initiating a prosecution or inquiry.

Q: What kind of threats are covered under this section?

Any threat causing injury to the person, reputation or property of the individual or their relatives can constitute this offense.

Q: What are the potential punishments for this offense?

The punishment for this offense includes imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.