Business Setup

Tax & Compliance

Trademark & IP

Documentation

Others

user-login
Consult an Expert

Consult an Expert

Right Arrow
Business Setup

Business Setup

Right Arrow
Tax & Compliance

Tax & Compliance

Right Arrow
Trademark & IP

Trademark & IP

Right Arrow
Documentation

Documentation

Right Arrow
Others

Others

Right Arrow
More

More

Right Arrow

Login

Section 285 falls under Chapter 15 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Chapter 15 covers offences affecting the public health, safety, convenience, decency and morals. Each section under this chapter deals with different offences related to matters of public health, safety and decency. Section 285 specifically deals with obstructing public spaces. Let us take a closer look at its provisions.

Definition of BNS Section 285

Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 states:

“Whoever, by doing any act, or by omitting to take order with any property in his possession or under his charge, causes danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any public way or public line of navigation, shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.”

Explanation and Illustration of BNS Section 285

This section is applicable to any person within the sovereign borders of India, whether citizen, resident or otherwise. It deals with the offence of obstructing public spaces. Let us break down the section to get a better understanding of it.

Offence

This section provides for the offence of obstructing public spaces such that they may cause danger or injury to someone else using the space. Public spaces in this section refer to any common utility constructed and maintained by the government specifically for public convenience. The definition the danger, obstruction or injury shall be decided by the court on a case to case basis. It shall be considered an offence under the provisions of this section as long as the obstruction has been caused by:

  • Doing any act - refers to any person creating an obstruction in a public space by actively doing something for instance parking a car in no parking; or
  • By omitting to do an act - refers to any person creating an obstruction in public space by omitting to perform a certain action. For instance a tree that is growing on a person’s private property is branching out onto the public road causing obstruction to the traffic moving through this road. The person refuses to prune or relocate the tree. He is causing obstruction by omitting to do an act.

  • However there are certain points that need to be noted:

  • This applies to all public spaces including roadways and waterways. Creating obstruction in the line of navigation of a ship is as much an offence as blocking a public road.
  • Creating obstruction by omitting to do something applies only if the obstruction has been caused by the property in possession or in charge of a person. In the above example, the person is said to be causing obstruction because the tree grows in his private property. If the tree grows adjacent to his property of the property owned by someone else, it is not that person’s fault and it cannot be said the obstruction has been caused by him.
  • In the case of a person creating obstruction by doing an act, the object causing the obstruction need not be the property of the person causing the obstruction. For instance, if a person moves a barricade on the road to take a u-turn, he shall be guilty of creating obstruction even though the barricade is not his property.
  • In this section, intent is not a factor in determining the crime. In other words, even if the person does or omits and act without any intention of causing obstruction or danger or injury to anyone, he or she shall be considered guilty.

  • Punishment

    Any person who does an act, or omits to tend to one’s property in such a manner that the act or the omission to act causes any public space to be obstructed, injurious or dangerous to any other member of the public using the same space, he or she shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

    The above actions may not be an offence under this section if:

  • The offender is forced or coerced into causing the obstruction
  • The offender is a minor or not of sane mind

  • However, there may be other sections under the BNS under which the above actions can be prosecuted and while they may be disqualified under the provisions of this section, such actions will still be punishable under the provisions of those respective sections of the BNS.

    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 of BNS 285

    This section deals with: Danger or obstruction in a public way or line of navigation.

    Description of offence:

  • Any person committing any act that leads to obstruction of a public way or a line of navigation to the extent that it endangers the safety of others using the public way or line of navigation shall be considered an offender under this section.

  • Punishment for offence:
  • Any person found guilty under this section shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

  • 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 285 of BNS and its equivalent IPC section

      The BNS came into force on July 1, 2024, effectively replacing the Indian Penal Code. Section 285 of BNS replaces Section 283 of the IPC. 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/Subsections Subject IPC Sections Summary of Comparison
      285 Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation. 283The upper limit of the fine is increased from two 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:

      • Expert Help: Our lawyers know the BNS sections inside out and can guide you through how the new laws apply to you or your business.
      • Simple and Clear: We break down all the legal jargons into simple language, so you can easily understand what steps to take.
      • Personalised Service: Whether you need help with specific BNS sections for women or other legal concerns, we provide advice and support tailored to your situation.
      • Experienced Team: We’ve helped thousands of clients understand about the old IPC sections, and now we’re ready to help you transition smoothly to the new BNS laws.

      FAQs about Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

      Yes. Section 285 is bailable.
      Any person committing any act that leads to obstruction of a public way or a line of navigation to the extent that it endangers the safety of others using the public way or line of navigation shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
      Yes. Section 285 applies to both, public roadways and maritime navigational routes.
      Yes. Section 285 does not apply to obstruction caused in emergency situations. However, the declaration of an emergency situation has to come from lawful authority.
      By penalising those who cause reckless obstruction of public ways and maritime navigation lines, Section 285 ensures safety to public infrastructure.
       Section 285 of BNS

      footer-service

      By continuing past this page, you agree to our Terms of Service Cookie Policy Privacy Policy  and  Refund Policy  © - Uber9 Business Process Services Private Limited. All rights reserved.

      Uber9 Business Process Services Private Limited, CIN - U74900TN2014PTC098414, GSTIN - 33AABCU7650C1ZM, Registered Office Address - F-97, Newry Shreya Apartments Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102, India.

      Please note that we are a facilitating platform enabling access to reliable professionals. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal services ourselves. The information on this website is for the purpose of knowledge only and should not be relied upon as legal advice or opinion.

      earn

      Refer a friend