What is Section 151 IPC? Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse
Published on: Lawiz Team
Detailed explanation of Section 151 IPC: Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.
Official Legal Text
Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 151 punishes anyone who joins or remains in an assembly of five or more people after it has been ordered to disperse.
Purpose
To maintain public order by ensuring that people follow lawful commands to disperse.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
Key Elements
The person must be aware of the command to disperse but still join or continue in the assembly.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
Legal Defenses
If the person was unaware of the command to disperse or had a lawful reason to remain.
Judicial Interpretation
Courts have clarified that the command must be clear and issued by a lawful authority.
Illustration
If a police officer orders a crowd to disperse and they refuse, they can be punished under Section 151.
FAQs
What does Section 151 IPC define?
Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.
Where is Section 151 IPC applicable?
In cases involving knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse situations.
What is the scope of Section 151 IPC?
It deals with offences relating to unlawful assemblies, riots, and public order.
Give an example of Section 151 IPC being used.
It is applied when individuals join unlawful assemblies or provoke public disorder.
What punishments are mentioned in Section 151 IPC?
Punishments include imprisonment, fine, or both depending on severity.
Is Section 151 IPC connected to other IPC sections?
Yes, it works alongside related riot, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance laws.
How have courts interpreted Section 151 IPC?
Courts focus on common object, criminal force, and disturbance of peace while interpreting.