Library/BNS/Section 355
Section 355BailablePenal

Misconduct in public by a drunken person

Full Text

Whoever, in a state of intoxication, appears in any public place, or in any place which it is a trespass in him to enter, and there conducts himself in such a manner as to cause annoyance to any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty-four hours, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both or with community service.

Plain English Summary

Penalizes public misconduct by an intoxicated person causing annoyance to others with simple imprisonment up to 24 hours, a fine up to Rs. 1,000, both, or community service.

Key Legal Elements

  • Offender must be in a state of intoxication
  • Appearing in a public place or a place where entry amounts to trespass
  • Conducting oneself in a manner causing annoyance to any person
  • Punishment includes simple imprisonment up to 24 hours, fine up to Rs. 1,000, both, or community service

Punishment

Simple imprisonment up to 24 hours, fine up to Rs. 1,000, both, or community service

Practical Note

CRITICAL COMPARISON: BNS Section 355 corresponds directly to Section 510 of the IPC (misconduct in public by a drunken person). Key changes include raising the maximum fine from Rs. 10 to Rs. 1,000, and introducing 'community service' as an alternative punishment option, reflecting the BNS's focus on reformative justice.

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई मत्तता की हालत में किसी सार्वजनिक स्थान में, या किसी ऐसे स्थान में जिसमें प्रवेश करना उसके लिए अतिचार हो, दिखाई देगा और वहां इस तरह आचरण करेगा जिससे किसी व्यक्ति को क्षोभ कारित हो, वह सादा कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि चौबीस घंटे तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, जो एक हजार रुपये तक का हो सकेगा, या दोनों से या सामुदायिक सेवा से दंडित किया जाएगा।