Whoever commits mischief by destroying or moving any land-mark fixed by the authority of a public servant, or by any act which renders such land-mark less useful as such, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 434: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 434 deals with the offence of mischief involving the destruction, movement, or alteration of a landmark fixed by public authority. Landmarks are crucial for defining property boundaries and for other official purposes. This section applies when an individual intentionally or knowingly destroys, displaces, or otherwise renders such a landmark less useful. The offence disrupts the integrity of property boundaries and can lead to legal disputes and confusion over property lines.
Is IPC Section 434 bailable?
IPC Section 434 is bailable. Since the offence involves property damage rather than direct physical harm to individuals, it typically allows for the possibility of bail under judicial discretion.
IPC Section 434 Punishment
The punishment under IPC Section 434 involves imprisonment of either description for a term extending to one year, with a fine, or with both. The penalty reflects the significance of maintaining the integrity of public landmarks and the potential legal and administrative issues caused by tampering with them.
Example of IPC Section 434
A real-life example of IPC Section 434 involved a landowner who deliberately moved a government-installed boundary marker during a boundary dispute with his neighbour to claim additional land. This action caused significant confusion and conflict over the true property boundaries. The neighbour reported the incident to the local authorities, who conducted a survey and confirmed the tampering. The landowner was arrested and charged under IPC Section 434 for intentionally moving a landmark fixed by public authority. He was found guilty, sentenced to six months in prison, and fined, demonstrating the legal consequences of tampering with official landmarks and causing property disputes.
