Whoever commits mischief by doing any act which causes, or which he knows to be likely to cause, a diminution of the supply of water for agricultural purposes, or for food or drink for human beings or for animals which are property, or for cleanliness or for carrying on any manufacture, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 430: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 430 addresses the offence of mischief by causing harm to works of irrigation or by wrongfully diverting water. This section applies when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes damage to any works meant for the irrigation of land or the supply of water for agricultural purposes or diverts water in a manner that adversely affects its lawful use. The key elements of this offence are the intention to cause harm and the resulting damage or disruption to water supply systems or irrigation works.
Is IPC Section 430 bailable?
IPC Section 430 is bailable. Given that the offence primarily involves damage to property and water supply disruption rather than direct physical harm to individuals, it allows for the possibility of bail under judicial discretion.
IPC Section 430 Punishment
The punishment under IPC Section 430 involves imprisonment of either description for a term extending to five years, with a fine, or with both. The severity of the punishment reflects the significant impact of such actions on agriculture and water supply, which are critical for community welfare and economic stability.
Example of IPC Section 430
A real-life example of IPC Section 430 involved a person who, during a land dispute, intentionally damaged a canal that supplied water to neighbouring farms. The damage caused a severe water shortage for the farmers who depended on the canal for irrigation, leading to crop failures and significant financial losses. The affected farmers reported the incident to the police, and the individual responsible was arrested and charged under IPC Section 430 for injuring irrigation works. In court, he was found guilty, sentenced to three years in prison, and fined, emphasizing the serious legal consequences of disrupting essential water supply systems and causing harm to agricultural activities.
