What is Section 163 IPC? Taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with public servant

Published on: Lawiz Team

Detailed explanation of Section 163 IPC: Taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with public servant.

Official Legal Text

Whoever accepts or obtains, or agrees to accept or attempts to obtain, any gratification whatever as a motive or reward for inducing, by the exercise of personal influence, any public servant to do or forbear to do any official act, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words

Section 163 punishes anyone who accepts money or benefits to use their personal influence on a public servant.

Purpose

To prevent corruption through personal influence over public officials.

Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment

Bailable: Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

Key Elements

Receiving gratification for using personal influence over a public servant.

Punishment Details

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Legal Defenses

If the person can prove that they did not promise any influence over a public servant.

Judicial Interpretation

Courts require proof of acceptance of gratification for influence.

Illustration

If a person accepts money to convince a government officer to grant a favor, they can be punished under Section 163.

FAQs

What does Section 163 IPC define?

Taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with public servant.

Where is Section 163 IPC applicable?

It deals with taking gratification, for exercise of personal influence with public servant in public service or criminal situations.

Why is Section 163 IPC significant?

It protects public order, honesty in administration, and discourages criminal misconduct.

Give a real-world example involving Section 163 IPC.

Examples include public servants accepting bribes, unlawful assemblies, and misuse of official positions.

What punishment is applicable under Section 163 IPC?

Punishment varies from fines to imprisonment based on the offence's seriousness.

Is Section 163 IPC related to other provisions?

Yes, often linked with sections involving corruption, unlawful acts, or government integrity.

How do courts view Section 163 IPC?

Courts interpret it strictly to ensure justice, accountability, and safeguard public trust.