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IPC Section 172 - Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2025
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(The upper limit of the fine is increased from five hundred to five thousand rupees and one thousand to ten thousand rupees; 'Court of justice' is replaced by 'Court' etc.)
Please refer to BNS 206 for updated procedures & punishments.
IPC 172 in Simple Words
If someone runs away to avoid receiving a summons, notice, or order from a public servant, they can be punished with up to one month in jail, a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both; and if the requirement is to appear in a Court of Justice or produce a document, the punishment can be up to six months in jail, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.
Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding from a public servant | Simple Imprisonment for 1 Month or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
| If summons or notice require attendance in person, etc., in a court of Justice | Simple Imprisonment for 6 Months or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Offence : Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding from a public servant
Punishment : Simple Imprisonment for 1 Month or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Any Magistrate
Offence : If summons or notice require attendance in person, etc., in a court of Justice
Punishment : Simple Imprisonment for 6 Months or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Any Magistrate
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IPC 172 section?
Anyone who absconds to avoid receiving a summons or notice from a public servant that is legally qualified to do so, will be punished by simple imprisonment of up to a month or a fine up to five dollars.
What is Section 172?
The Section 172 notice (Road Traffic Act, 1988) is sometimes referred to as a Notice Of Intended Prosecution. This is a police letter that contains details about an alleged offense and requests the name of the driver who was driving at the time.
What is Section 173 of IPC?
IPC Section 173: Preventing publication or service of summons, other proceedings or preventive service
