Whoever commits mischief by destroying or moving any light-house or other light used as a sea-mark, or any sea-mark or buoy or other thing placed as a guide for navigators, or by any act which renders any such light-house, sea-mark, buoy or other such thing as aforesaid less useful as a guide for navigators, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 433: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 433 addresses the offence of mischief involving the destruction, movement, or rendering less useful of any lighthouse or sea mark. These structures are crucial for maritime navigation, ensuring the safety of vessels at sea by providing critical location and hazard information. The section applies when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes damage to these structures, thereby endangering maritime navigation and safety. The key elements of this offence include the intent to cause harm and the actual act of damaging, moving, or otherwise impairing the functionality of a lighthouse or sea mark.
Is IPC Section 433 bailable?
IPC Section 433 is bailable. Given that the offence involves property damage rather than direct physical harm to individuals, it allows for the possibility of bail under judicial discretion.
IPC Section 433 Punishment
The punishment under IPC Section 433 involves imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and also includes a liability to a fine. The severity of the punishment reflects the critical importance of lighthouses and sea marks in ensuring maritime safety and the potentially severe consequences of tampering with them.
Example of IPC Section 433
A real-life example of IPC Section 433 involved a group of vandals who, as a prank, damaged a coastal lighthouse by breaking its light and moving its lens. This act rendered the lighthouse non-functional, endangering ships that relied on it for navigation along a treacherous stretch of coast. The authorities quickly repaired the damage to prevent accidents and arrested the responsible individuals. They were charged under IPC Section 433 for damaging and rendering less useful a lighthouse. In court, the individuals were found guilty, sentenced to five years in prison, and fined, emphasizing the serious legal consequences of tampering with essential maritime safety infrastructure.
