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Section 219 falls under Chapter 13 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Chapter 13 covers offences of contempt of the lawful authority of public servants. Each section under this chapter deals with different offences related to disobeying the authority exercised by a public servant in performance of his or her duty. Section 219 specifically deals with resisting authority of a public servant. Let us take a closer look at its provisions.

Definition of BNS Section 219

Section 219 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 states:
“Whoever intentionally obstructs any sale of property offered for sale by the lawful authority of any public servant, as such, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.”

Explanation and Illustration of BNS Section 219

This section is applicable to any person within the sovereign borders of India, whether citizen, resident or otherwise. It deals with the offence of resisting a public servant from exercising his power of selling a property.

There are a certain class of government officials whose duties entail the physical seizing of properties and auctioning them therefore. These are cases where the government may seize and sell a property in order to satisfy a judicial ruling. Some of the cases in which a government may seize and auction a property are:

  • Smuggled goods seized by the customs department
  • Non payment of taxes of government dues
  • Non payment to business creditors leading to appointment of a public liquidator in satisfaction of such debts.
  • Unowned or unclaimed property

  • Persons within the sovereign border of India are legally obligated to cooperate and, in the least, not interfere with the performance of official government duties. In case of a disagreement with a government order that mandates such seizure, there are mechanisms for redressal of such grievances with due process. However, if such disagreement is expressed in any manner without due process and in any forum other than the ones made available within the legal framework, then it is considered as obstructing a government official from performing their duty and is punishable under the BNS.

    Section 219 specifically deals with persons offering resistance to the sale of any property by the lawful authority. Any act of resistance or obstruction against a government servant who is in the process of selling a property in the course of his official duties is an offence under section 219, provided that it meets the following two conditions:

  • The officer seizing the property must have the lawful authority to seize the property. Not all government servants have the power to auction a property. In fact, the person selling the property usually comes on the order of a higher authority who has the power to issue such an order. So unless the person seizing the property is authorised by an order, or is authorised to do so as a part of his normal duties, the property cannot be seized.
  • The person resisting the sale must know that the person selling the property is a government officer. So if a person resisting the sale is not aware of the identity of the person selling the property, he or she cannot be held culpable under the provisions of this section. This is why officials who are authorised to seize and sell property have to follow strict operating procedures including verbally identifying themselves to the person in possession of the property, showing them a valid identity card and producing the order that has mandated the seizure and sale of the property. All of this must be done prior to the beginning of the seizure and sale. If this procedure is not followed, the seizure can be challenged with a higher authority who may nullify the order if lapses have been found.

  • If the above two conditions are met, i.e., a lawful officer after identifying himself and producing the relevant order proceeds to seize and sell a property, and such act of sale is met with resistance, then such persons resisting the seizure will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both.

    Disclaimer: The examples provided are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. They should not be used for legal proceedings or decision-making. For specific legal matters, please consult a qualified legal professional.

    Key Points in BNS Section 219

    This section deals with: Obstructing a public official from selling property

    Description of offence:

  • Any person who tries to obstruct a public official from selling any property that has been duly seized by an order shall be considered an offender under the provisions of this section.

  • Punishment for offence:
  • Any person found guilty under this section shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

  • Exceptions to offence:
  • The offender has been coerced into committing the offence
  • The person is a minor or not of sane mind
    1. Differences Between Section 219 of BNS and its Equivalent IPC Section

      The BNS came into force on July 1, 2024, effectively replacing the Indian Penal Code. Section 219 of BNS replaces IPC Section 184. Let us look at the changes that have been made in the provisions of the new section in comparison to the old one.

      BNS Sections/SubsectionsSubjectIPC SectionsSummary of Comparison
      219Obstructing sale of property offered by authority of public servant for sale. 184 Upper limit of fine has been increased from five hundred to five thousand rupees.

      Why Choose Vakilsearch for Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)?

      Understanding the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) laws can be confusing, but Vakilsearch is here to make it easy for you. Here’s why we’re the right choice:

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      FAQs about Section 219 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

      Yes. Any order or action performed by any government servant can be challenged as long as it is done through the legally prescribed channels and redressal forums. Resisting through in any other form shall be considered an offence.
      Yes. There are situations or circumstances when a property is seized and sold to satisfy a judicial order. However, the order has to be passed by someone who has officially been authorised by the government and the sale has to be carried out as per the procedure laid down within the legal framework.
      Yes. A public servant is required to present a warrant or an order at the time of seizing or selling a property.
      If one wants to challenge an order or warrant for seizure, they must do so through the legally prescribed channels and forums.
      If one wants to challenge an order or warrant for sale of property, they must do so through the legally prescribed channels and forums.
       Section 219 of BNS

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