Whoever, being legally bound to give any notice or to furnish information on any subject to any public servant, as such, intentionally omits to give such notice or to furnish such information in the manner and at the time required by law, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;
or, if the notice or information required to be given respects the commission of an offence, or is required for the purpose of preventing the commission of an offence, or in order to the apprehension of an offender, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both;
or, if the notice or information required to be given is required by an order passed under sub-section (1) of section 565 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
IPC Section 176: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with “Omission to give notice or information to a public servant by a person legally bound to give it.” This offence occurs when a person legally obligated to provide any information or notice to a public servant, as required by law, intentionally omits to do so.
This section is crucial for ensuring that essential information reaches public servants in a timely manner. It facilitates the proper functioning of various administrative and legal processes. The absence of this information could hinder investigations, delay legal proceedings, or affect public safety.
Is IPC Section 176 bailable?
IPC Section 176 is a bailable offence. This means an individual arrested for this offence can be released on bail while awaiting further legal procedures.
IPC Section 176 Punishment
The punishment under IPC Section 176 includes simple imprisonment for a term that may extend to one month, fines of up to five hundred rupees, or both. However, if the information not provided relates to an offence under sections 175, 179, 180, or 228, the punishment can include simple imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months, fines of up to five hundred rupees, or both.
Example of IPC Section 176
A real-life example of IPC Section 176 could involve a case where a witness to a road accident is legally required to inform the police about the incident but deliberately chooses not to do so. Another instance could be a healthcare provider who, upon discovering a contagious disease that must be reported to health authorities as per the law, intentionally omits to provide this crucial information, thus committing an offence under this section.