Whoever harbours, receives or assembles, in any house or premises in his occupation or charge, or under his control any persons knowing that such persons have been hired, engaged or employed, or are about to be hired, engaged or employed, to join or become members of an unlawful assembly, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 157: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 157 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses “Harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly.” This section makes it an offence for anyone to provide shelter or support to individuals who have been hired or engaged to participate in an unlawful assembly. The law aims to prevent and dissuade individuals from facilitating or encouraging activities that could lead to public disorder or violence.
Is IPC Section 157 Bailable?
IPC Section 157 is bailable. This means that a person charged under this section can seek bail from the police or court, as it is considered a less severe offence.
IPC Section 157 Punishment
Under IPC Section 157, punishment can include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine, or both. The exact sentence depends on the case’s specifics, including the severity of the harbouring and the potential impact on public order.
Example of IPC Section 157
A real-life example of IPC Section 157 could involve a shop owner knowingly providing a safe haven in his premises for individuals who were paid to disrupt a peaceful protest. By allowing these individuals to use his shop as a base for their activities, the shop owner is harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly, making him liable under IPC Section 157.
