Library/BNS/Section 168
Section 168BailablePenal

Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman

Full Text

168. Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman.

Whoever, not being a soldier, sailor or airman in the Army, Naval or Air service of the Government of India, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by such a soldier, sailor or airman with the intention that it may be believed that he is such a soldier, sailor or airman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.

Plain English Summary

Punishes wearing the uniform or carrying tokens of the Indian Armed Forces by non-personnel with the intent to impersonate them, with up to three months of imprisonment, a fine up to 2,000 rupees, or both.

Key Legal Elements

  • Accused is not a member of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force
  • Accused wears garb or carries a token resembling military insignia or uniform
  • Action is done with the intent to deceive others into believing they are a member of the military

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to 2,000 rupees, or both

Practical Note

Intent to deceive is a necessary ingredient for this offense. Simply wearing military apparel for artistic or normal wear without the intent of deception does not attract liability under this section.

हिंदी पाठ

168. सैनिक, नौसैनिक या वायुसैनिक द्वारा उपयोग में लाई जाने वाली पोशाक पहनना या टोकन ले जाना।

जो कोई, भारत सरकार की सेना, नौसेना या वायुसेना का सैनिक, नौसैनिक या वायुसैनिक न होते हुए, इस आशय से कि यह विश्वास किया जाए कि वह ऐसा सैनिक, नौसैनिक या वायुसैनिक है, ऐसी कोई पोशाक पहनेगा या ऐसा कोई टोकन धारण करेगा जो ऐसे सैनिक, नौसैनिक या वायुसैनिक द्वारा उपयोग में लाई जाने वाली पोशाक या टोकन के सदृश हो, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि तीन महीने तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, जो दो हजार रुपये तक का हो सकेगा, या दोनों से, दंडित किया जाएगा।