What is Section 214 IPC? Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 214 IPC: Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender
Official Legal Text
Whoever gives or causes, or offers or agrees to give or cause, any gratification to any person, or restores or causes the restoration of any property to any person, in consideration of that person's concealing an offence or of his screening any person from legal punishment for any offence, or of not proceeding against any person for the purpose of bringing him to legal punishment, shall be punished in the manner provided in section 213.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 214 punishes anyone who offers a gift or restores property to prevent an offender from being punished.
Purpose
To prevent individuals from protecting offenders by offering benefits to suppress justice.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine; If the offence is punishable with death, imprisonment for life, or 10 years, imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine.
Key Elements
1. The person must offer a gift or benefit. 2. The purpose must be to prevent an offender from being punished. 3. The person must know or have reason to believe that the individual is an offender.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Legal Defenses
If the person can prove they were unaware of the offence or acted under duress.
Judicial Interpretation
Courts focus on the intention to protect an offender and suppress punishment.
Illustration
If a person offers money to a witness to prevent them from testifying against an offender, they can be punished under Section 214.
FAQs
What does Section 214 IPC define?
Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender.
Where is Section 214 IPC applicable?
It applies to criminal proceedings, obstruction of justice, or misuse of authority.
Why is Section 214 IPC significant?
It safeguards judicial processes, law enforcement, and accountability in the legal system.
Give an example involving Section 214 IPC.
Cases include aiding criminal escapes, offering bribes to screen offenders, or public servant misconduct.
What punishment is prescribed under Section 214 IPC?
Punishment ranges from simple to rigorous imprisonment, fines, or both depending on the offence.
Is Section 214 IPC linked with other IPC laws?
Yes, often related to offences against public justice, corruption, and custody breaches.
How do courts view Section 214 IPC?
Courts interpret such cases seriously to ensure deterrence against interfering with justice.