SECTION 491 IPC - Indian Penal Code - Breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of helpless persons

Last Updated: 01 Apr, 2024
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

Whoever, being bound by a lawful contract to attend on or to supply the wants of any person who, by reason of youth, or of unsoundness of mind, or of a disease or bodily weakness, is helpless or incapable of providing for his own safety or of supplying his own wants, voluntarily omits so to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.

IPC 491 in Simple Words

If someone is legally obligated to take care of or provide for a person who is helpless due to youth, unsoundness of mind, disease, or bodily weakness, but they willingly fail to do so, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to two hundred rupees, or both.

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Offence	Punishment	Cognizance	Bail	Triable
Being bound to attend on or supply the wants of a person who is helpless from youth, unsoundness of mind or disease, and voluntarily omitting to do so	3 Months or Fine or Both	Non-Cognizable	Bailable	Any Magistrate

Offence : Being bound to attend on or supply the wants of a person who is helpless from youth, unsoundness of mind or disease, and voluntarily omitting to do so

Punishment : 3 Months or Fine or Both

Cognizance : Non-Cognizable

Bail : Bailable

Triable : Any Magistrate

Anyone who refuses to fulfill a legal contract, even though they are bound to provide for the needs of someone who is unable to meet their own needs or safety due to age, insanity, disease, or physical weakness, will be punished.

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