Whoever commits mischief shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 426: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 426 provides the punishment for the mischief offence, as defined in IPC Section 425. Mischief involves intentionally causing destruction or any change to property that diminishes its value, utility, or functionality. The core element of this offence is the intention to cause wrongful loss or damage to another person or the public.
Is IPC Section 426 bailable?
IPC Section 426 is bailable. Since the offence typically involves property damage rather than direct physical harm to individuals, it allows for the possibility of bail under judicial discretion.
IPC Section 426 Punishment
The punishment for mischief under IPC Section 426 involves imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, with a fine, or with both. The severity of the punishment reflects the recognition of property damage as a serious issue while also considering that the offence may not involve physical harm to persons.
Example of IPC Section 426
A real-life example of IPC Section 426 involved a tenant who deliberately damaged the rented apartment after a dispute with the landlord. The tenant broke windows, damaged furniture, and scratched the walls. The landlord reported the damage to the police. The tenant was arrested and charged under IPC Section 426 for mischief. In court, given the clear intention to cause damage and the extent of the harm to the property, the tenant was sentenced to one month in prison and fined, demonstrating the legal consequences of such destructive actions.
