BNS Section 151

Section 151 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with assaulting or wrongfully restraining the President or a Governor with the intent to compel or restrain them from exercising their lawful powers.

Whoever, with the intention of inducing or compelling the President of India, or Governor of any State, to exercise or refrain from exercising in any manner any of the lawful powers of such President or Governor, assaults or wrongfully restrains, or attempts wrongfully to restrain, or overawes, by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force, or attempts so to overawe, such President or Governor, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

BNS-151: Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with Intent to Compel or Restrain the Exercise of Lawful Power

Key Points:
 

1. Target Individuals:
    

   • This section specifically addresses criminal acts directed toward high-ranking officials such as:
      

     • President of India
        

     • Governor of any State
        

   • The focus is on attempts to force these officials to act or not act in a lawful capacity.
      

2. Intent:
    

   • The intention behind the assault or wrongful restraint is key. The person committing the act must have the motive of inducing or compelling the President or Governor to:
      

     • Exercise or refrain from exercising lawful powers.
        

   • This intent distinguishes it from other forms of assault.
      

3. Criminal Acts Involved:
    

   • The law covers a range of criminal behaviors:
      

     • Assault: Physical attack.
        

     • Wrongful restraint: Preventing the free movement of the President or Governor.
        

     • Overawing by criminal force: Using force or intimidation to control their decisions or actions.
        

4. Punishment:
    

   • A person convicted under BNS-151 may face:
      

     • Imprisonment: Up to seven years.
        

     • Fine: Along with or instead of imprisonment.
        

5. Purpose:
    

   • The section is designed to protect the autonomy and authority of high officials, ensuring that they can exercise their lawful powers without being influenced by threats or coercion.

Explore the comprehensive list of all sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Our detailed guide provides a complete overview of each section to help you understand Indian law better.