Library/BNS/Section 156
Section 156Non-BailablePenal

Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of State or war to escape

Full Text

Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of war, voluntarily allows such prisoner to escape from any place in which such prisoner is confined, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Plain English Summary

Penalizes a public servant who has custody of a State prisoner or prisoner of war and intentionally allows them to escape.

Key Legal Elements

  • Accused must be a public servant
  • Accused must have custody of a State prisoner or prisoner of war
  • Accused must voluntarily allow the prisoner to escape

Punishment

Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine

Practical Note

The key element is the 'voluntary' act of the public servant. Accidental or negligent escapes are covered under subsequent sections (e.g., Section 157).

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई, लोक सेवक होते हुए और किसी राज्य कैदी या युद्ध कैदी की अभिरक्षा रखते हुए, ऐसे कैदी को उस स्थान से, जहां ऐसा कैदी परिरुद्ध है, स्वेच्छा से निकल भागने देगा, वह आजीवन कारावास से, या दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि दस वर्ष तक की हो सकेगी, दंडित किया जाएगा और जुर्माने से भी दायित्व के अधीन होगा।