MYANMAR
THE PENAL CODE CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION Sections
1. * * * * * 2. Punishment of offences committed within the Union of Burma. 3. Punishment of offences committed beyond, but which by law may be tried within
the Union of Burma. 4. Extension of code to extra-territorial offences. 5. Certain laws not to be affected by this code.
CHAPTER II
GENERAL EXPLANATIONS 6. Definitions in the Code to be understood subject to exceptions. 7. Sense of expression once explained. 8. Gender. 9. Number. 10. "Man" "Woman" 11. "Person." 12. "Public." 13. * * * * 14. "Servant of the Government." 15. * * * * 16. * * * * 17. "Government." 18. * * * * 19. "Judge." 20. "Court of Justice." 21. "Public Servant." 22. "Moveable property." 23. "Wrongful gain." "Wrongful loss." Gaining wrongfully. Losing wrongfully. 24. "Dishonestly." 25. "Fraudulently." 26. "Reason to believe." 27. Property in possession of wife, Clark or servant 28. "Counterfeit." 29. "Document." 30. "Valuable security." 31. "A will." 32. Words referring to acts include illegal omissions. 33. "Act." "Omission." 34. Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. 35. When such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal
knowledge or intention. 36. Effect caused partly by act and partly by omission 37. Co-operation by doing one of several acts constituting an offence.
38. Persons concerned in criminal act may be guilty of different offences. 39. "Voluntarily." 40. "Offence." 41. "Special law." 42. "Local law." 43. "Illegal." "Legally bound to do." 44. "Injury." 45. "Life." 46. "Death." 47. "Animal." 48. "Vessel." 49. "Year." "Month." 50. * * * * 51. "Oath." 52. "Good faith.".
52A. "Harbour."
CHAPTER III
OF PUNISHMENTS 53. Punishments. 54. Commutation of sentence of death. 55. Commutation of sentence of transportation for life. 56. * * * * 57. Fractions of terms of punishment. 58. Offenders sentenced to transportation, how dealt with until transported 59. Transportation instead of imprisonment. 60. Sentence may be (in certain cases of imprisonment) wholly or partly rigorous or
simple. 61. * * * * 62. * * * * 63. Amount of fine. 64. Sentence of imprisonment for non-payment of fine. 65. Limit to imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when imprisonment and fine
awardable. 66. Description of imprisonment for non-payment of fine. 67. Imprisonment for non-payment of fine, when offence punishable with fine only. 68. Imprisonment to terminate on payment of fine. 69. Termination of imprisonment on payment of proportional part of fine. 70. Fine leviable within six years, or during imprisonment. Death not to discharge
property from liability. 71. Limit of punishment of offence made up of several offences. 72. Punishment of person guilty of one of several offences, the judgment stating that it
is doubtful of which. 73. Solitary confinement. 74. Limit of solitary confinement. 75. Enhanced punishment for certain offences under Chapter XII or Chapter XVII after
previous conviction.
CHAPTER IV
GENERAL EXCEPTIONS 76. Act done by a person bound, or by mistake of fact believing himself bound, by law. 77. Act of Judge when acting judicially. 78. Act done pursuant to the judgement or order of Court. 79. Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself 80. Accident in doing a lawful act. 81. Act likely to cause harm, but done without criminal intent, and to prevent other
harm.
82. Act of a child under seven years of age. 83. Act of a child above seven and under twelve of immature understanding. 84. Act of a person of unsound mind. 85. Act of a person incapable of judgment by reason of intoxication caused
against his will. 86. Offence requiring a particular intent or knowledge committed by one
who is intoxicated. 87. Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done
by consent. 88. Act not intended to cause death , done consent in good faith for person’s benefit. 89. Act done in good faith for benefit of child or insane person, by or by consent of
guardian. Provisos. 90. Consent known to be given under fear or misconception. Consent of insane
person. Consent of child. 91. Exclusion of acts which are offences independently of harm caused. 92. Act done in good faith for benefit of a person without consent, Provisos. 93. Communication made in good faith 94. Act to which a person is compelled by threats. 95. Act causing slight harm.
Of the Right of Private Defence
96. Things done private defence. 97. Right of private defence of the body and of property. 98. Right of private defence against the act of a person of unsound mind, etc. 99. Acts against which there is no right of private defence. Extent to which the right
may be exercised. 100. When the right of private defence of the body extends to causing death.
101. When such right extends to causing any harm other than death.
102. Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of the body.
103. When the right of private defence of property extends to cawing death.
104. When such right extends to causing any harm other than death.
105. Commencement and continuance of the right of private defence of property.
106. Right of private defence against deadly assault when there is risk of harm to innocent person.
CHAPTER V
OF ABETMENT
107. Abetment of a thing.
108. Abettor.
108A. Abetment in the Union of Burma of offences outside it. 109. Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where
no express provision is made for its punishment. 110. Punishment of abetment if person abetted does act with different intention from
that of abettor. 111. Liability of abettor when one act abetted and different act done Proviso.
112. Abettor when liable to cumulative punishment for act abetted and for act done.
113. Liability of abettor for an effect caused by the act abetted different from that intended by the abettor.
114. Abettor present when offence is committed.
115. Abetment of offence punishable with death or transportation for life – if offence not committed; if act causing harm be done in consequence.
116. Abetment of offence punishable with imprisonment if offence be not committed; if abettor or person abetted be a public servant whose duty it is to prevent offence.
117. Abetting commission of offence by the public. or by more than ten persons.
118. Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or transportation for life if offence be committed; if offence be not committed.
119. Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent - if offence be committed; if offence be punishable with death, etc: if offence be not committed.
120. Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment if offence be committed; if offence be not committed.
CHAPTER V (A)
CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY 120A. Definition of criminal conspiracy. 120B. Punishment of criminal conspiracy.
CHAPTER VI
OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE STATE 121. High Treason.
121A. * * * * 122. Punishment of High Treason.
123. Encouraging, harbouring, or comforting person guilty of High Treason.
124. Misprision of High Treason.
124A. Sedition. 124B. Advocating overthrow of the organs of the Union or of its constituent
units by force. 125. Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the State.
126. Committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the State.
127. Receiving property taken by war or depredation mentioned in section 125 and 126.
128. Public servant voluntarily allowing prisoner of State or war to escape.
129. Public servant negligently suffering such prisoner to escape.
130. Aiding escape of, rescuing or harbouring such prisoner.
CHAPTER VI (A)
OFFENCES RELATING TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE CONSTITUTION AND ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENT
130A. Offences relating to certain provisions contained in the Constitution and Acts of the Parliament.
CHAPTER VI (B)
LIBEL AGAINST FOREIGN POWERS 130B. Libel against Foreign Powers.
CHAPTER VII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO THE ARMY, NAVY, AND AIR FORCE 131. Abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or air man from his duty.
132. Abetment of mutiny if mutiny is committed in consequence thereof.
133. Abetment of assault by soldier, sailor or airman on his superior officer, when in execution of his office.
134. Abetment of such assault, if the assault is committed.
135. Abetment of such desertion of soldier, sailor or airman.
136. Harbouring deserter.
137. Deserter concealed on board merchant vessel trough negligence of master.
138. Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman.
139. Persons subject to certain Acts.
140. Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman.
CHAPTER VIII
OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE PUBLIC TRANQUILITY 141. Unlawful assembly.
142. Being member of unlawful assembly.
143. Punishment.
144. Joining unlawful assembly, armed with deadly weapon. Joining or continuing in unlawful assembly, knowing it has been commanded to disperse.
145. Joining or continuing in unlawful assembly, knowing it has been commanded to disperse.
146. Rioting.
147. Punishment for rioting.
148. Rioting, armed with deadly weapon.
149. Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object.
150. Hiring, or conniving at hiring, of persons to join unlawful assembly.
151. Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.
152. Assaulting or obstructing public servant when suppressing riot, etc. if rioting be committed; if not committed.
153. Wantonly giving provocation with intent to case riot-if doting be committed; if not committed.
153A. Promoting enmity between classes. 154. Owner or occupier of land on which an unlawful assembly is held.
155. Liability of person for whose benefit riot is committed.
156. Liability of agent of owner or occupier for whose benefit riot is committed.
157. Harbouring persons hired for an unlawful assembly.
158. Being hired to take part in an unlawful assembly or riot; or to go armed.
159. Affray.
160. Punishment.
CHAPTER IX
OF OFFENCES BY OR RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVANTS 161. Public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an
official act. 162. Taking gratification in order, by corrupt or illegal means, to influence public
servant. 163. Taking gratification for exercise of personal influence with public servant
164. Punishment for abetment by public servant of offences defined in section 162 or 163.
165. Public servant obtaining valuable thing, without consideration, from person concerned in proceeding or business transacted by such public servant.
166. Public servant disobeying law with intent to cause injury to any person.
167. Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury.
168. Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade.
169. Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property.
170. Personating a public servant.
171. Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent.
CHAPTER IX (A)
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTIONS 171A. "Candidate", "Electoral right", defined.
171B. Bribery. 171C. Undue influence at elections. 171D. Personating [sic] at elections. [presumably, "impersonation" is intended] 171E. Punishment for bribery. 171F. Punishment for undue influence or personation [sic] at an election. 171G. False statement in connection with an election. 171H. Illegal payments in connection with an election. 171I. Failure to keep election accounts. 171J. Illegal possession at election to either Chamber of Parliament of voting tokens,
ballot papers or colourable imitation thereof.
CHAPTER X
OF CONTEMPTS OP THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS 172. Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding.
173. Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof
174. Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant.
175. Omission to produce document to public servant by person legally bound to produce it.
176. Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it.
177. Furnishing false information.
178. Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it.
179. Refusing to answer public servant authorized to question.
180. Refusing to sign statement.
181. False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorized to administer an oath or affirmation.
182. False information with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person.
183. Resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant.
184. Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant.
185. Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant.
186. Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.
187. Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance.
188. Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
189. Threat of injury to public servant.
190. Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant.
CHAPTER XI
OF FALSE EVIDENCE AND OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC JUSTICE 191. Giving false evidence.
192. Fabricating false evidence.
193. Punishment for false evidence.
194. Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence: if innocent person be thereby convicted and executed.
195. Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with transportation or imprisonment.
196. Using evidence known to be false.
197. Issuing or signing false certificate.
198. Using as true a certificate known to be false.
199. False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence.
200. Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false.
201. Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information, to screen offender- if a capital offence: if punishable with transportation; if punishable with less than ten years’ imprisonment.
202. Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform.
203. Giving false information respecting an offence committed.
204. Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence.
205. False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution.
206. Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution.
207. Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution.
208. Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due.
209. Dishonestly making false claim in Court.
210. Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due.
211. False charge or offence made with intent to injure.
212. Harbouring offender- If a capital offence; If punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment.
213. Taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment- if a capital offence; If punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment.
214. Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender- If a capital offence; If punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment.
215. Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc.
216. Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered- If a capital offence; If punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment.
216A. Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits.
216B. * * * * 217. Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save from punishment or
property from forfeiture. 218. Public servant flaming incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from
punishment or property from forfeiture. 219. Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc., contrary to law.
220. Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to law.
221. Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend.
222. Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend person under sentence or lawfully committed.
223. Escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant.
224. Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension.
225. Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person.
225A. Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of public servant, In cases not otherwise provided for.
225B. Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue, in cases not otherwise provided for.
226. Unlawful return from transportation.
227. Violation of condition of remission of punishment.
228. Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding.
229. Personation of a juror or assessor.
CHAPTER XII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO COIN AND GOVERNMENT STAMPS 230. "Coin" defined.
Coin of the Union. 231. Counterfeiting coin.
232. Counterfeiting coin of the Union.
233. Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin.
234. Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting coin of the Union.
235. Possession of instrument or material for the purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coin; if coin of the Union.
236. Abetting in the Union of Burma the counterfeiting out of the Union of Burma of coin.
237. Import or export of counterfeit coin.
238. Import or export of counterfeits of the coin of the Union.
239. Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit.
240. Delivery of coin of the Union, possessed with knowledge that it is counterfeit.
241. Delivery of coin as genuine, which, when first possessed, the deliver did not know to be counterfeit.’
242. Possession of counterfeit coin by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof.
243. Possession of coin of the Union by person who knew it to be counterfeit when he became possessed thereof.
244. Person employed in mint causing coin to be of different weight or composition from that fixed by law.
245. Unlawfully taking coining instrument from mint.
246. Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of coin.
247. Fraudulently or dishonestly diminishing weight or altering composition of coin of the Union.
248. Altering appearance of coin with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description.
249. Altering appearance of coin of the Union with intent that it shall pass as coin of different description.
250. Delivery of coin, possessed with knowledge that it is altered.
251. Delivery of coin of the Union, possessed with knowledge that it is altered.
252. Possession of coin by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
253. Possession of coin of the Union by person who knew it to be altered when he became possessed thereof
254. Delivery of coin as genuine which, when first possessed, the deliverer did not know to be altered.
255. Counterfeiting Government stamp.
256. Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp.
257. Making or selling instrument for counterfeiting Government stamp.
258. Sale of counterfeit Government stamp.
259. Having possession of counterfeit Government stamp.
260. Using as genuine a Government stamp known to be counterfeit.
261. Effacing writing from substance bearing Government stamp, or removing from document a stamp used for it, with intent to cause loss to Government.
262. Using Government stamp known to have been before used.
263. Erasure of mark denoting that stamp has been used.
263A. Prohibition of fictitious stamps.
CHAPTER XIII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 264. Fraudulent use of false instrument for weighing.
265. Fraudulent use of false weight or measure.
266. Being in possession of false weight or measure.
267. Making or selling false weight or measure.
CHAPTER XIV
OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, CONVENIENCE, DECENCY AND MORALS
268. Public nuisance.
269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
271. Disobedience to quarantine rule.
272. Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale.
273. Sale of noxious food drink.
274. Adulteration of drugs.
275. Sale of adulterated drugs.
276. Sale of drug as a different drug of preparation.
277. Fouling water of public spring or reservoir.
278. Making atmosphere noxious to health.
279. Rash driving or riding on a public way.
279A. Throwing dangerous article on moving vehicle. 280. Rash navigation of vessel.
281. Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy.
282. Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel.
283. Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation.
284. Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance.
285. Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter.
286. Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance.
287. Negligent conduct with respect to machinery.
288. Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings.
289. Negligent conduct with respect to animal.
290. Punishment for public nuisance in eases not otherwise provided for.
291. Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue.
292. Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.
293. Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person.
294. Obscene acts and songs.
294A. Keeping lottery office.
CHAPTER XV
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO RELIGION 295. Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class.
295A. Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
296. Disturbing religious assembly.
297. Trespassing on burial - places, etc.
298. Uttering words, etc; with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings.
CHAPTER XVI
OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE HUMAN BODY Of Offences affecting Life
299. Culpable homicide.
300. Murder.
300A. Explanations of culpable homicide. 301. Culpable homicide by causing death of person other than person whose death was
intended. 302. Punishment for murder.
303. * * * *
304. Punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
304A. Causing death by negligence. 305. Abetment of suicide of child or insane person.
306. Abetment of suicide.
307. Attempt to murder. Attempts by life - convicts.
308. Attempt to commit culpable homicide.
309. Attempt to commit suicide.
310. Thug.
311. Punishment.
Of the causing of Miscarriage, of Injuries to unborn Children, of the Exposure of Infants, and of the Concealment of Births
312. Causing miscarriage
312A. Sterilization of a woman by Surgery. 312B. Sterilization of a man by Surgery. 312C. Allowing one Self to be Sterilized by Surgery.
312D. Death caused by Sterilization by Surgery. 313. Causing miscarriage without woman's’ consent.
314. Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage. If act done without woman’s consent.
315. Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth.
316. Causing death of quick unborn child by doing act likely to cause death of pregnant woman.
317. Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years by parent or person having care of it
318. Concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body.
Of Hurt
319. Hurt.
320. Grievous hurt.
321. Voluntarily causing hurt.
322. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
323. Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt.
324. Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
325. Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
326. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
327. Voluntarily causing hurt to extort property, or to constrain to illegal act.
328. Causing hurt by means of poison etc., with intent to commit an offence.
329. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort property, or to compel restoration of property.
330. Voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession, or to compel rest ration of property.
331. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort confession, or to compel restoration of property.
332. Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty.
333. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty.
334. Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation.
335. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt on provocation.
336. Act endangering life or personal safety of others.
337. Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of other
338. Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety others.
Of Wrongful Restraint and Wrongful Confinement
339. Wrongful restraint.
340. Wrongful confinement.
341. Punishment for wrongful restraint.
342. Punishment for wrongful confinement.
343. Wrongful confinement for three or more days.
344. Wrongful confinement for ten or more days.
345. Wrongful confinement of person for whose liberation writ has been issued.
346. Wrongful confinement in Secret.
347. Wrongful confinement to extort property, or constrain to illegal act.
348. Wrongful confinement to extort confession, or compel restoration of property.
Of Criminal Force and Assault
349. Force.
350. Criminal force.
351. Assault.
352. Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation.
353. Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty.
354. Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
355. Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person, otherwise than on grave provocation.
356. Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property. carried by a person.
357. Assault or criminal force in attempt wrongfully to confine a person
358. Assault or criminal force on grave provocation,
Of Kidnapping, Abduction, Slavery and Forced Labour
359. Kidnapping.
360. Kidnapping from the Union of Burma.
361. Kidnapping from lawful guardianship.
362. Abduction.
363. Punishment for kidnapping.
364. Kidnapping or abducting in order to murder.
365. Kidnapping or abduction with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person.
366. Kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.
366A. Procuration of minor girl. 366B. Importation of girl from foreign country. 367. Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt slavery, etc.
368. Wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement kidnapped or abducted person.
369. Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years with intent to steal from its person.
370. Buying or disposing of any person as a slave.
371. Habitual dealing in slaves.
372. Selling minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
373. Buying minor for purposes of prostitution, etc.
374. Unlawful compulsory labour.
Of Rape
375. Rape.
376. Punishment for rape.
Of Unnatural Offences
377. Unnatural offences.
CHAPTER XVII
OF OFFENCE AGAINST PROPERTY Of Theft
378. Theft.
379. Punishment for theft.
380. Theft in dwelling - house, etc.
381. Theft by clerk or servant of property in possession of master.
382. Theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint, in order to the committing of the theft.
Of Extortion
383. Extortion.
384. Punishment for extortion.
385. Putting person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion.
386. Extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt.
387. Putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion.
388. Extortion by threat of accusation of an offence punishable with death or transportation, etc.
389. Putting person in fear of accusation of offence; in order to commit extortion.
Of Robbery and Dacoity
390. Robbery. When theft is robbery. When extortion is robbery.
391. Dacoity.
392. Punishment for robbery.
393. Attempt to commit robbery.
394. Voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery.
395. Punishment for dacoity.
396. Dacoity with murder.
397. Robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt.
398. * * * *
399. Making preparation to commit dacoity.
400. Punishment for belonging to gang of dacoits.
401. Punishment for belonging to gang of thieves
402. Assembling for purpose of committing dacoity.
Of Criminal Misappropriation of property
403. Dishonest misappropriation of property.
404. Dishonest misappropriation of property possessed by deceased person at the time of his death.
Of Criminal Breach of Trust
405. Criminal breach of trust.
406. Punishment or criminal breach of trust.
407. Criminal breach of trust by carrier, etc.
408. Criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant.
409. Criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent.
Of the Receiving of Stole,, Property
410. Stolen property.
411. Dishonestly receiving stolen property.
412. Dishonestly receiving property stolen in the dacoity.
413. Habitually dealing in stolen property.
414. Assisting in concealment of stolen property.
Of Cheating
415. Cheating.
416. Cheating by personation.
417. Punishment for cheating.
418. Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect.
419. Punishment for cheating by personation.
420. Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Of Fraudulent Deeds and Dispositions of Property
421. Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent distribution among creditors.
422. Dishonestly or fraudulently preventing debt being available for creditors
423. Dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing false statement of consideration.
424. Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property.
Of Mischief
425. Mischief.
426. Punishment for mischief.
427. Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees.
428. Mischief by killing or maiming animal of the value often rupees.
429. Mischief by killing or maiming cattle. etc., of any value or any animal of the value of fifty rupees.
430. Mischief by injury to works of irrigation or by wrongfully diverting water
431. Mischief by injury to public road, bridge, river, or channel.
432. Mischief by causing inundation or obstruction to public drainage attended with damage.
433. Mischief by destroying, moving or rendering less useful a light-house or sea - mark.
434. Mischief by destroying or moving. etc., a land - mark fixed by public authority.
435. Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupee.
436. Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.
437. Mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden.
438. Punishment for the mischief described in section 437 committed by fire of explosive substance.
439. Punishment for intentionally running vessel aground or ashore with intent to commit theft. etc.
440. Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt.
Of Criminal Trespass
441. Criminal trespass.
442. House - trespass.
443. Lurking house - trespass.
444. Lurking house - trespass by night.
445. House - breaking.
446. House - breaking by night.
447. Punishment for criminal - trespass.
448. Punishment for house - trespass.
449. House - trespass in order to commit offence punishable with death.
450. House - trespass in order to commit offence punishable with transportation for life.
451. House -. trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment.
452. House - trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint.
453. Punishment for lurking house - trespass or house - breaking.
454. Lurking house - trespass or house - breaking in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment.
455. Lurking house - trespass Or house - breaking after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint.
456. Punishment for lurking house - trespass or house - breaking by night.
457. Lurking house - trespass or house - breaking by night in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment.
458. Lurking house - trespass or house - breaking by night after ration for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint.
459. Grievous hurt caused whilst committing lurking house -or house - breaking.
460. All persons jointly concerned in lurking house - trespass or - breaking by night punishable where death or grievous hurt caused by one of them.
461. Dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property.
462. Punishment for same offence when committed by person entrusted with custody.
CHAPTER XVIII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO DOCUMENT TO TRADE OR PROPERTY MARKS. 463. Forgery.
464. Making a false document.
465. Punishment for forgery
466. Forgery of record of Court of public register. etc.
467. Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.
468. Forgery of purpose of cheating.
469. Forgery of purpose of harming reputation.
470. Forged document.
471. Using as genuine a forged document.
472. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467.
473. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc. with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467.
474. Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending~ to use for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material.
475. Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material.
476. Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material.
477. Fraudulent cancellation destruction, etc, of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security.
477A. Falsification of accounts.
Of Trade, Property and Other Marks.
478. Trademark.
479. Property mark.
480. Using a false trade mark.
481. Using a false property mark.
482. Punishment for using a false trade mark or property mark.
483. Counterfeiting a trade mark or property mark used by another.
484. Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant.
485. Making or possession of any instrument for counterfeiting a trade mark or property mark.
486. Selling goods marked with a counterfeit trade mark or property mark.
487. Making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods.
488. Punishment for making use of any such false mark.
489. Tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury.
Of Currency - Notes and Bank - Notes
489A. Counterfeiting currency - notes or bank - notes. 489B. Using as genuine forged or counterfeit currency - notes or bank -notes. 489C. Possession of forged or counterfeit currency - notes or bank -notes. 489D. Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting
currency-notes or bank - notes.
CHAPTER XIX
OF THE CRIMINAL BREACH OF CONTRACTS OF SERVICE 490. * * * *
491. Breach of contract to attend on and supply wants of helpless person.
492. * * * *
CHAPTER XX
OF OFFENCES RELATNG TO MARRIAGE
493. Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.
494. Marrying again during life - time of husband or wife.
495. Same offence with concealment of former marriage from person with whom subsequent marriage is contracted.
496. Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage.
497. Adultery.
498. Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman.
CHAPTER XXI
OF DEFAMATION
499. Defamation. Imputation of truth which public good requires to be made or published. Public conduct of public servants. Conduct of any person touching any public question. Publication of reports of proceedings of Courts. Merits of case decided in Court, or conduct of witnesses and others concerned. Accusation preferred in good faith to authorized person. Imputation made in good faith by person for protection of his or other’s interests. Caution intended for good of person to whom conveyed or for public good.
500. Punishment for defamation.
501. Printing or engraving matter known to be defamation
502. Sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter.
CHAPTER XXII
OF CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, INSULT AND ANNOYANCE
503. Criminal intimidation.
504. Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
505. Statements conducing to public mischief.
506. Punishment for criminal intimidation. If threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc.
507. Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication.
508. Act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure.
509. Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.
510. Misconduct in public by a drunken person.
CHAPTER XXIII
OF ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT OFFENCES 511. Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with transportation or
imprisonment.
THE PENAL CODE
(INDIA ACT XLV. 1860) (1st May. 1861)
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1. * * *
2. Every person shall be liable to punishment under this Code and not otherwise for every act or
omission contrary to the provisions thereof, which he shall be guilty within the Union of Burma.
3. Any person liable, by any law in force in the Union of Burma, to be tried for an offence
committed beyond the limits of the Union of Burma shall be delth [sic. “dealt” is presumably
intended] with according to the provisions of this Code for any act committed beyond the Union of
Burma in the same manner as if such act had been committed within the Union of Burma.
4. The provisions of this Code apply also to any offence committed by (any citizen of the Union
wherever he may be)1.
Explanation -- In this section the word "offence" includes every act committed outside the Union of
Burma which, if committed in the Union of Burma, would be punishable under this Code.
5. Nothing in this Code is intended to affect any Act for punishing officers, soldiers, sailors or
airmen in the service of (the Government) or any special or local law.
.................................................................
* Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948, [this is presumably footnote 1]
CHAPTER II
GENERAL EXPLANATIONS
6. Throughout this Code every definition of an offence, penal provision, and every illustration of
every such definition of penal provision, shall be understood subject to the exceptions contain in the
chapter entitled "General Exceptions," though those exceptions are not repeated in such definition,
penal provision or illustration.
Illustration
(a) The sections in this Code, which contain definitions of offences, do not express that a child
under seven years of age cannot commit such offences; but the definitions are to be understood
subject to the general exception which provides that nothing shall be an offence which is done by a
child under seven years of age.
(b) A a police officer, without warrant, apprehends Z who has committed murder. Here A is not
guilty of the offence of wrongful confinement; for he was bound by law to apprehend Z, and
therefore the case falls within the general exception which provides that "nothing is an offence which
is done by a person who is bound by law to do it."
7. Every expression which is explained in any part of this Code is used in every part of this Code
in conformity with the explanation.
8. The pronoun "he" and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female.
9. Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the
plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.
.............................................................................
10. The word "man" denotes a male human being of any age the word "woman" denotes a female
human being of any age.
11. The word "person" includes any company or association, or body of persons, whether
incorporated or not.
12. The word "public" includes any class of the public or any community
213. * * * *
2 Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948. Omitted ibid.
14. The words "servant of the Government" include all officers or servants continued, appointed
or employed under the authority of the Constitution, or by or under the authority of the President of
the Union.
15-16. * * *
17. The word "Government" denotes the person or persons authorized by law to administer
executive government in any part of the Union of Burma
18. * * * *
19. The word "Judge" denotes not only every person who is officially designated as a Judge, but
also every person who is empowered by law to give, in any legal proceeding, civil or criminal, a
definitive judgment, or a judgment which, if not appealed against, would be definitive, or a judgment
which, if confirmed by some other authority, would be definitive, or
who is one of a body of persons, which body of persons is empowered by law to give such a
judgment.
Illustrations
(a) A Collector exercising jurisdiction in a suit under Act X of 18593 is a judge.
(b) A Magistrate exercising jurisdiction in respect of a charge on which he has power to sentence
to fine or imprisonment, with or without appeal, is a judge.
(c) * * * *
(d) A Magistrate exercising jurisdiction in respect of a charge on which he has power only to
commit for trial to another Court is not a Judge.
20. The words "Court of Justice" denote a Judge who is empowered by law to act judicially alone,
or a body of Judges which is empowered by law to act judicially as a body when such Judge or body
or judges is acting Judicially.
21. The words "public servant" denote a person falling under any of the descriptions hereinafter
following namely
First. -- Every covenanted servant of the Government:
4Second. -- Every commissioned Officer in the Military, Naval or Air Forces of the State:
......................................................................
I Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
2 See also s. 263 A (4) infra.
3 The Bengal Rent Act, 1859.
4 Amended by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
Third.-- Every Judge:
Fourth.-- Every officer of a Court of Justice whose duty it is, as such officer, to investigate or report
on any matter of law or fact, or to make, authenticate, or keep any document, or to take charge or
dispose of any property, or to execute any judicial process, or to administer any oath, or to interpret,
or to preserve order in the Court: and every person specially authorized by a Court of Justice to
perform any of such duties:
Fifth. -- Every juryman, assessor, or member of a village committee assisting a Court of Justice or
public servant;
Sixth.-- Every arbitrator or other person to whom any cause or matter has been referred for
decision or report by any Court of Justice, or by any other competent public authority:
Seventh.-- Every person who holds any office by virtue of which he is empowered to place or keep
any person in confinement;
......................................................................
1 Added by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
Eighth.-- Every officer of Government whose duty it is, as such officer, to prevent offences, to give
information of offences, to bring offenders to justice, or to protect the public health, safety or
convenience;
Ninth.-- Every officer whose duty it is, as such officer, to take, receive, keep or expend any
property on behalf of Government, of to make any survey, assessment or contract on behalf of
Government, or to execute any revenue-process, or to investigate, or to report, on any matter
affecting the pecuniary interests of Government, or to make, authenticate or keep any document
relating to the pecuniary interests of Government, or to prevent the infraction of any law for the
protection of the pecuniary interests of Government, and every officer in the service or pay of the
Government or remunerated by fees or commission for the performance of any public duty (or every
member of the Government);
Tenth.-- Every officer whose duty it is, as such officer, to take, receive keep or expend any
property, to make any survey or assessment, or to levy any rate or tax for any secular common
purpose of any village, town or district, or to make, authenticate or keep any document for the
ascertaining of the rights of the people of any village, town or district;
Eleventh.-- Every person who holds any office in virtue of which he is empowered to prepare,
publish, maintain or revise an electoral roll or to conduct an election or part of an election.
Illustration
A Municipal Commissioner is a public servant.
Explanation I.--Persons falling under any of the above descriptions are public servants,
whether appointed by the Government or not
..........................................................................
1 Added by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
Explanation 2.-- Wherever the words "public servant" occur, they shall be understood of every
person who is in actual possession of the situation of a public servant, whatever legal defect there
may be in his right to hold that situation.
Explanation 3.-- The word "election" means the selection, by any method which is by law
prescribed as by election, of any person as a member or officer of or to any office in the Union
Parliament or any municipal or other public authority.
22. The words "moveable property" are intended to include corporeal property or every
description, except land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything which
is attached to the earth.
23. "Wrongful gain" is gain by unlawful means of property to which the person gaining is not
legally entitled.
"Wrongful loss" is the loss by unlawful means of property to which the person losing it is legally
entitled.
A person is said to gain wrongfully when such person retains wrongfully, as well as when such
person acquires wrongfully. A person is said to lose wrongfully when such person is wrongfully kept
out of any property, as well as when such person is wrongfully deprived of property.
24. Whoever does anything with the intention of causing wrongful gain to one person or wrongful
loss to another person, is said to do that thing "dishonestly."
25. A person is said to do a thing "fraudulently" if he does that thing with intent to defraud but not
otherwise.
26. A person is said to have "reason to believe" a thing if he has sufficient cause to believe that
thing but not otherwise.
Explanation.-- A person employed temporarily or on a particular occasion in the capacity of a clerk
or servant is a clerk or servant within the meaning of this section.
27. When property is in the possession of a person's wife, clerk or servant, on account of that
person, it is that person's possession within the meaning of this Code.
28. A person is said to "counterfeit" who causes one thing to resemble another thing, intending by
means of that resemblance to practise deception or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby
be practised.
Explanation. 1.-- It is not essential to counterfeiting that the imitation should be exact.
Explanation. 2.-- When a person causes one thing to resemble another thing, and the
resemblance is such that a person might be deceived thereby, it shall be presumed, until the con-
trary is proved, that the person so causing the one thing to resemble the other thing intended by
means of that resemblance to practise deception or knew it to be likely deception would thereby be
practised.
29. The word "document" denotes any matter expressed or described upon any substance by
means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or
which may be used, as evidence of that matter.
Explanation. 1 -~ It is immaterial by what means or upon what substance the letters, figures or
marks are formed, or whether the evidence is intended for, or may be used in, a Court of Justice, or
not.
Illustrations
A writing expressing the ‘terms of a contract, which may be used as evidence of the contract, is a
document,
A cheque upon a banker is• a document.
A power-of-attorney is a document.
A map or plan, which is intended to be used which or which may be used as evidence, is a
document.
A writing containing directions or instructions is a document.
Explanation. 2.-- Whatever is expressed by means of letters, figures or marks, as explained by
mercantile or other usage, shall be deemed to be expressed by such letters, figures or marks within
the meaning of this section although the same may not be actually expressed.
Illustration
A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange payable to his order. The meaning of the
endorsement, as explained by mercantile usage, is that the bill is to be paid to the holder. The
endorsement is a document, and must be construed in the same manner as if the words ‘pay to the
holder" or words to that effect had been written over the signature.
30. The words "valuable security" denote a document which is, or purports to be, a document
whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released, or
whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right.
Illustration
A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange. As effect of his endorsement is to transfer the
right to the bill to any person who may become the lawful holder of it, the endorsement is a "valuable
security.
31. The words" a will" denote any testamentary document.
32. In every part of this Code, except where a contrary intention appears from the context, words
which refer to acts done extend also to illegal omissions.
33. The word "act" denotes as well a series of acts as a single act the word "omission" denotes as
well a series of omissions as a single omission.
34. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all,
each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.
35. Whenever an act, which is criminal only by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge
or intention, is done by several persons, each of such persons who joins in the act with such
knowledge or intention is liable for the act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone,
with that knowledge or intention.
36. Wherever the causing of a certain effect, or an attempt to cause that effect, by an act or by an
omission is an offence, it is to be understood that the causing or that effect partly by an act and
partly by an omission is the same offence.
Illustration
A intentionally causes Z's death, partly by illegally omitting to give Z food, and partly by beating Z
A has committed murder.
37. When an offence is committed by means of several acts, whoever intentionally co-
operates in the commission of that offence by doing any one of those acts, either singly or jointly
with any other person, commits that offence.
Illustrations
(a) A and B agree to murder Z by severally and at different times giving him small doses of poison.
A and B administer the poison according to the agreement with intent to murder Z. Z dies from the
effects of the several doses of poison so administered to him. Here A and B intentionally co-operate
in the commission of murder and as each of them does an act by which the death is caused they are
both guilty of the offence though their acts are separate.
(b) A and B are joint jailors, and as such have the charge of Z, a prisoner, alternately for six hours
at a time. A and B, intending to cause Z's death, knowingly co-operate m causing that effect by
illegally omitting, each during the time of his attendance, to furnish Z with food supplied to them for
that purpose, Z dies of hunger. Both A and B are guilty of the murder of Z.
(c) A, jailor, has the charge of Z, a prisoner. A, intending to cause Z's death, illegally omits to
supply Z with food ; in consequence of which Z is much reduced in strength, but the starvation is not
sufficient to cause his death. A is dismissed from his office, and B succeeds him. B, without
collusion or co-operation with A, illegally omits to supply Z with food, knowing that he is likely
thereby to cause Z's death. Z dies of hunger. B is guilty of murder, but, as A did not co-operate with
B, A is guilty only of an attempt to commit murder.
38. Where several persons are engaged or concerned in the commission of a criminal act, they
may be guilty of different offences by means of that act.
Illustration
A attacks Z under such circumstances of grave provocation that his killing of Z would be only
culpable homicide not amounting to murder. B having ill-will towards Z and intending to kill him, and
not having been subject to the provocation, assists A in killing Z. Here, though A and B are both
engaged in causing Z's death, B is guilty of murder, and A is guilty only of culpable homicide.
39. A person is said to cause an effect "voluntarily" when he causes it by means whereby he
intended to cause it, or by means which, at the time of employing those means, he knew or had
reason to believe to be likely to cause it.
A sets fire, by night, to an inhabited house in a large town, for the purpose of facilitating robbery
and thus causes the death of a person. Here, A May not have intended to cause death, and may
even be sorry that death has been caused by his act ; yet, if he knew that he was likely to cause
death, he has caused death voluntarily.
40. Except in the chapters and sections mentioned in clauses
2 and 3 of this section, the word "offence" denotes a thing made punishable by this Code.
In Chapter IV, Chapter VA, and in the following sections, namely, section 64, 65, 66, 67, 71,
109,110,112,114,115,116,117, 187, 194,195,203,211,213,214,221,222,223,224,225,327, 329, 330,
331, 347, 348, 388, 389 and 445, the word "offence" denotes a thing punishable under this Code, or
under any special or local law as hereinafter defined.
And in sections 141,176, 177, 201, 202, 212, 216 and 441 the word "offence has the same
meaning when the thing punishable tinder the special or local law is punishable under such law with
imprisonment for a term of six months or upwards whether with or without fine.
41. A "special law" is a law applicable to a particular subject.
42. A "local law" is a law applicable only to a particular part of the Union of Burma.
43. The word "illegal" is applicable to everything which is an offence or which is prohibited by law,
or which furnishes ground for a civil action and a person is said to be "legally bound to do" whatever
it is illegal in him to omit.
44. The word "injury" denotes any harm whatever illegally caused to any person, in body, mind,
reputation or property.
45. The word "life" denotes the death of a human being, unless contrary from the context.
46. The word "death" denotes the death of a human being, unless the contrary appears from the
context.
47. The word "animal" denotes any living creature, other than a human being.
48. The word "vessel" denotes anything made for the conveyance by water of human being or of
property.
49. Wherever the word "year" or the word "month" is used, it is to be understood that the year or
the month is to be reckoned according to the British calendar.
50. * * *
51. The word "oath" includes a solemn affirmation substituted by law, for an oath, and any
declaration required or authorized by law to be made before a public servant or to be used for the
purpose of proof, whether in a Court of Justice or not.
52. Nothing is said to be done or believed in "good faith" which is done or believed without due
care and attention.
152A. Except in section 130 and in section 157 in the case in which the harbour is given by the
wife or husband of the person harboured, the word ‘harbour' includes supplying a person with
shelter, food, drink, money, clothes, anus, ammunition or means of conveyance, or the assisting of a
person by any means, whether of the same kind as those enumerated in this section or not, to
evade apprehension.
CHAPTER III
OF PUNISHMENTS
53. The punishments to which offenders are liable under the provisions or this Code are :--
First.-- Death;
Secondly.-- Transportation;
2[* * *]
Fourthly. -- Imprisonment, which is of two descriptions, namely
(1) Rigorous, that is, with hard labour:
(2) Simple;
2[* * *]
Sixthly.-- Fine.
54. In every case in which sentence of death shall have been passed, the President of the Union
may, without the consent of the offender, commute the punishment for any other punishment
provided by this Code.
55. In every case in which sentence of transportation for life shall have been passed, the
President of the Union may, without the consent of the offender commute the punishment for
imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding four-teen years.
356.* * *
........................................................
1 Inserted by Act, XX, 1950.
2 Clauses "Thirdly--Penal Servitude ; and "Fifthly.-- Forfeiture of Property ; were omitted by the Union of Burma ( Adaptation of
Laws) Order, 1948.
3 Omitted-ibid
57. In calculating fractions of terms of punishment, transportation for life shall be reckoned as
equivalent to transportation for twenty years.
58. In every case in which a sentence of transportation is passed, the offender, until he is
transported, shall be dealt with in the same manner as if sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, and
shall be held to have been under- going his sentence of transportation during the term of his
imprisonment.
59. In every case in which an offender is punishable with imprisonment for a term of seven years
or upwards, it shall be competent to the Court which sentences such offender, instead of awarding
sentence of imprisonment, to sentence the offender to transportation for a term not less than seven
years, and not exceeding the term for which by this Code such offender is liable to imprisonment.
60. In every case in which an offender is punishable with imprisonment which may be of either
description, it shall be competent to the Court which sentences such offender to direct in the
sentence that such imprisonment shall be wholly rigorous, or that such imprisonment shall be wholly
simple, or that any part of such imprisonment shall be rigorous and the rest simple.
61-62.* * * *
63. Where no sum is expressed to which a fine may extend, the amount of fine to which the
offender is liable is unlimited, but shall not be excessive.
64. In every case of an offence punishable with imprisonment as well as fine, in which the
offender is sentenced to a fine, whether with or without imprisonment.
and in every case of an offence punishable with imprisonment or fine, or with fine only, in which
the offender is sentenced to a fine, it shall be competent to the Court which sentences such offender
to direct by the sentence that, in default of payment of the fine, the offender shall suffer
imprisonment for a certain term, which imprisonment shall be in excess of any other imprisonment to
which he may have been sentenced or to which he may be liable under a commutation of a
sentence.
65. The term for which the Court directs the offender to be imprisoned in default of payment of a
fine shall not exceed one-fourth or the term imprisonment which is the maximum fixed for the
offence, if the offence be punishable with imprisonment as well as fine.
66. The imprisonment which the Court imposes in default of payment of a fine may be of any
description to which the offender might have been sentenced for the offence.
67. If the offence be punishable with fine only, the imprisonment which the Court imposes in
default of payment of the fine shall be simple, and the term for which the Court directs the offender
to be imprisoned, in default of payment of fine, shall not exceed the following scale, that is to say, for
any term not exceeding two months when the amount of the fine shall not exceed fifty rupees, and
for any term not exceeding four months when the amount, shall not exceed one hundred rupees,
and for any term not exceeding six months in any other case.
68. The imprisonment which is imposed in default of payment of a fine shall terminate whenever
that fine is either paid or levied by process of law.
69. If, before the expiration of the term of imprisonment fixed in default of payment, such a
proportion of the fine be paid or levied that the term of imprisonment suffered in default of payment
is not less than proportional to the part of the fine still unpaid, the imprisonment shall terminate.
Illustration
A is sentenced to a fine of one hundred rupees and to four months' imprisonment in default of
payment. Here, if seventy -five rupees of the fine be paid or levied before the expiration of one
month of the imprisonment. A will be discharged as soon as the first month has expired. If seventy-
five rupees be paid or levied at the time of the expiration of the first month, or at any later time while
A continues in imprisonment, A will be immediately
discharged. If fifty rupees of the fine be paid or levied before the expiration of two months of the
imprisonment, A will be discharged as soon as the two months are completed. If fifty rupees be paid
or levied at the time of the expiration ‘of those two months, or at any later time while A continues in
imprisonment, A will be immediately discharged.
70. The fine, or any part thereof which remains unpaid, may be levied at any time within six years
after the passing of the sentence, and if, under the sentence, the offender be liable to imprisonment
for a longer period than six years, than at any time previous to the expiration of that period ; and the
death of the offender does not discharge from the liability any property which would, after his death,
be legally liable for his debts.
71. Where anything which is an offence is made up of parts, any of which parts is itself an
offence, the offender shall not be punished with the punishment of more than one of such his
offences, unless it be so expressly provided.
Where anything is an offence falling within two or more separate definitions of any law in force for
the time being by which offences are defined of punished, or
where several acts, of which one or more than one would by itself or themselves constitute an
offence, constitute, when combined, a different offence,
the offender shall not be punished with a more severe punishment than the Court which tries him
could award for any one of such offences.
Illustrations
(a) A gives Z fifty strokes with a stick. Here, A may have committed the offence of voluntarily
causing hurt to Z by the whole beating, and also be by each of the blows which make up the whole
beating. If A were liable to punishment for every blow, he might be imprisoned for filly years, one for
each blow. But he is liable only to one punishment for the whole beating.
(b) But if, while A is beating Z, Y interferes, and A intentionally strikes 1~ here, as the blow given
to Y is no part of the act where by A voluntarily causes hurt to Z, A is liable to one punishment for
voluntarily causing hurt to Z, and to another for the blow given to Y
72. In all cases in which judgment is given that a person of guilty' of one of several offences
specified in the judgment, but that it is doubtful of which of these offences he is guilty, the offender
shall be punished for the offence for which the lowest punishment is provided if the same
punishment is not provided for all.
73. Whenever any person is convicted of an offence for which under this Code the Court has
power to sentence him to rigorous imprisonment, the Court may, by its sentence, order that the
offender shall be kept in solitary confinement for an~ portion or portions of the imprisonment to
which he is sentenced, not exceeding three months in the whole, according to the following scale,
that is to say-
a time not exceeding one month if the' term of imprisonment shall not exceed six months:
a time not exceeding two months if the term of imprisonment shall exceed six months and shall not
exceed one year:
a time not exceeding three months if the term of imprisonment shall exceed one year.
74. In executing a sentence of solitary confinement, such confinements shall in no case exceed
fourteen days at a time, with intervals between the periods of solitary confinement of not less
duration than such periods and when the imprisonment awarded shall exceed three months, the
solitary confinements shall not exceed seven days in any one month of the whole imprisonment
awarded, with intervals between the periods solitary confinement of not less duration than such
periods
75. Whoever, having been convicted--
(a) by a Court in the Union of Burma, of an offence punishable under Chapter XII or Chapter
XVII of this Code with imprisonment of either description for a term of three years or upwards. (* *)
1(b) * * * *
shall be guilty of any offence punishable under either of those Chapters with like imprisonment for
the like term, shall be subject for every such subsequent offence to transportation for life, or to
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years.
...................................................
I Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
CHAPTER IV
GENERAL EXCEPTIONS
76. Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who is, or who by reason of a mistake of fact
and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith believes himself to be, bound by law to do it.
Illustration
(a) A, a soldier, fires on a mob by the order of his superior officer, in conformity with the
commands of the law. A has committed no offence.
(b) A, and officer of Court of Justice, being ordered by that Court to arrest Y. and, after due
enquiry. Believing Z to be Y, arrests Z. A has committed no offence.
77. Nothing is an offence which is done by a Judge when acting judicially in the exercise of any
power which is, or which in good faith he believes to be, given to him by law.
78. Nothing which is done in pursuance of, or which is warranted by the judgment or order of, a
Court of Justice, if done whilst such judgment or order remains in force; is an offence,
notwithstanding the Court may have had no jurisdiction to pass such judgment or order, provided the
person doing the act in good faith believes that the Court had such jurisdiction.
79. Nothing is an offence which is done by any person who is justified by law, or who by reason of
a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith believes himself to be justified
by law, in doing it.
Illustration
A sees Z commit what appears to A to be murder. A in the exercise, to the best of his judgment,
exerted in good faith of the power which the law gives to all persons of apprehending murderers in
the act, seizes Z in order to bring Z before the proper authorities. A has committed no offence,
though it may turn out that Z was acting in self- defence.
80. Nothing is an offence, which is done by accident or misfortune, and without any criminal
intention or knowledge, in the doing of a lawful act in a lawful manner by lawful means and with
proper care and caution.
Illustration
A is at work with a hatchet; the head flies off and kills a man who is standing by. Here, if there was
no want of proper caution on the part of A, his act is excusable and not an offence.
81. Nothing is an offence merely by reason of its being done with the knowledge that it is likely to
cause harm, if it be done without any criminal intention to cause harm, and in good faith for the
purpose of preventing or avoiding other harm to person or property.
Explanation. -- It is a question of fact in such a case whether the harm to be prevented or avoided
was of such a nature and so imminent as to justify or excuse the risk of doing the act with the
knowledge that it was likely to cause harm.
Illustration
(a) A, the captain of a steam vessel, suddenly and without any fault or negligence on his part, finds
himself in such a position that before he can stop his vessel he must inevitably run down a boat B,
with twenty or thirty passengers on board, unless he changes the course of his course, he must
incur risk of running down a boat C with only two passenger on board, which he may possibly. clear.
Here, if A alters two passengers on board, which he may possibly clear. Here, if A alters his course
without any intention to run down the boat C and in good faith for the purpose of avoiding the danger
to the passengers in the boat B, he is not guilty of an offence, though he may run down the boat C
by doing an act which he knew was likely to cause that effect, if it be found as a matter of fact that
the danger which he intended to avoid was such as to excuse him in incurring the risk of running
down C.
(b) A in a great fire pulls down houses in order to prevent the conflagration from spreading. He
does this with the intention in good faith of saving human life or property. Here, if it be found that the
harm to be prevented was of such a nature and so imminent as to excuse A's act, A is not guilty of
an offence.
82. Nothing is an offence which is done by a child under seven years of age.
83. Nothing is an offence which is done by a child above seven years age and under twelve, who
has not attained sufficient maturity of understanding to judge of the nature and consequences of his
conduct on the occasion.
84. Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason of
unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either
wrong or contrary to law.
85. Nothing is an offence which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, is, by reason of
intoxication, incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that he is doing what is either wrong or
contrary to law provided that the thing which intoxicated him was administered to him without his
knowledge of against his will.
86. In cases where an act done is not an offence unless done with particular knowledge or intent,
a person who does the act in a state of intoxication shall be liable to be dealt with as if he had the
same knowledge as he would have had if he had not been intoxicated, unless the thing which
intoxicated him was administered to him without his knowledge or against his will.
87. Nothing which is not intended to cause death or grievous hurt, and which is not known by the
doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may
cause, or be intended by the doer to cause, to any person, above eighteen years of age, who has
given consent, whether express or implied, to suffer that harm ; or by reason of any harm which it
may be known by the doer to be likely to cause to any such person who has consented to take the
risk of that harm.
Illustration
A and Z agree to fence with each other for amusement. This agreement implies the consent of
each to suffer any harm which in the course of such fencing may be caused without foul play; and if
A, while playing fairly, hurts Z, A commits no offence.
88. Nothing, which is not intended to cause death, is an offence by reason of any harm which It
may cause, or be intended by the doer to cause, or be known by the doer to be likely to cause, to
any person for whose benefit it is done in good faith, and who has given a consent, whether express
or implied, to suffer that harm, or to take the risk of that harm.
Illustration
A, a surgeon, knowing that a particular operation is likely to cause the death of Z, who suffers
under a painful complaint; but not intending to cause Z's death, and intending in good faith Z's
benefit, performs that operation on Z with Z's consent. A has committed no offence.
89. Nothing which is done in good faith for the benefit of a ‘person-tinder twelve years of age, or
of unsound mind, by or by consent, either express or implied, of the guardian or other per-son
having lawful charge of that person, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause, or be
intended by the doer to cause, or be known by the doer to be likely to cause, to that person;
Provided--
First.-- That this exception shall not extend to the intentional causing of death, or to the attempting
to cause death;
Secondly.-- That this exception shall not extend to the doing of anything which the person doing it
knows to be likely to cause death, for any purpose other than the preventing of death or grievous
hurt of the curing of any grievous disease or infirmity;
Thirdly.-- That this exception shall not extend to the voluntary causing of grievous hurt, or to the
attempting to cause grievous hurt, unless it be for the purpose of preventing death or grievous hurt
or the curing of any grievous disease or infirmity;
Fourthly.—That this exception shall not extend to the abetment of any offence, to the committing
of which offence it would not extend.
Illustration
A, in good faith, for his child's benefit without his child's consent, has his child cut for the stone by
a surgeon, knowing it to be likely that the operation will cause the child's death, but not intending to
cause the child's death. A is within the exception, in as much as his object was the cure of the child.
90. A consent is not such a consent as is intended by any section of this Code, if the consent is
given by a person under fear of injury, or under a misconception of fact, and if the person doing the
act knows, or has reason to believe, that the consent was given in consequence of such fear or
misconception ; or
if the consent is given by a person who, from unsoundness of mind or intoxication, is Unable to
understand the nature and consequence of that to which he given his consent; or
unless the contrary appears from the context, if the consent is given by a person who is under
twelve years of age.
91. The exception in section 87, 88 and 89 do not extend to acts, which are offences
independently of any harm which they may cause, or be intended to cause, or be known to be likely
to cause, to the person giving the consent, or on whose behalf the consent is given.
Illustration
Causing miscarriage (unless caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman)
is an offence independently of any harm which it may cause or be intended to cause to the woman
Therefore, it is not an offence "by reason of such harm"; and the consent of the woman or of her
guardian to the causing of such miscarriage does not justify the act.
92. Nothing is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause to a person, for whose
benefit it is done in good faith, even without that person's consent if the circumstances are such that
it is impossible for that person to signify consent, or if that person is incapable of giving consent and
has no guardian or other person in lawful charge of bun from whom it is possible to obtain consent in
time for the thing to be done with benefit: Provided-
First. -- That this exception shall not extend to the intentional causing of death, or the
attempting to cause death
Secondly.-- That this exception shall not extend to the doing of anything which the person doing it
known to be likely to cause death, for any purpose other than the preventing of death or grievous
hurt or the curing of any grievous disease or infirmity;
Thirdly-- That this exception shall not extend to the voluntary causing of hurt, or to the attempting
to cause hurt, for purpose other than the preventing of death or hurt;
Fourthly . -- That this exception shall not extend to the abetment of any offence, to the committing
of which offence it would not extend.
Illustration
(a) Z is thrown from his horse, and is insensible. A, a surgeon, finds that Z requires to be
trepanned. A not intending Z's death but in good faith, for Z's benefit, performs the trepan before Z
recovers his power of judging for himself. A has committed no offence.
(b) Z is carried off by a tiger. A fires at the tiger knowing it to be likely that the shot may kill, Z, but
not intending to kill Z, and in good faith intending Z's benefit. A's ball give Z a mortal wound. A has
committed on offence.
(c) A, a surgeon, sees a child suffer an accident which is likely to prove fatal unless an operation
be immediately performed. There is no time to apply to the child's guardian. A perform the operation
in spite of the entreaties of the child, intending, in good faith, the child's benefit. A has committed no
offence.
(d) A is in a house which is on fire, with Z a child. People below hold out a blanket. A drops the
child from the housetop, knowing it to be likely that the fall may kill the child, but not intending to kill
the child, and intending, in good faith, the child's benefit. Here even if the child is killed by the fall, A
has committed no offence.
Explanation.-- Mere pecuniary benefit is not benefit within the meaning of sections 88, 89 and 92.
93. No communication, made in good faith is an offence by reason of any harm to the person to
whom it is made if it made, for the benefit of that person.
Illustration
A, a surgeon, in good faith communicates to a patient dies his opinion that he cannot live. The
patient in consequence of the shock. A has committed no offence, though he knew it to be likely that
the communication might cause the patient's death.
94. Except murder, and offences against the State punishable with death, nothing is an offence
which is done by a person who is compelled to do it by threats, which, at the time of doing it,
reasonably cause the apprehension that instant death to that person will otherwise be the
consequence Provided the person doing the act did not of his own accord, or from a reasonable
apprehension of harm to himself short of instant death, place himself in the situation by which he
became subject to such constraint.
Explanation 1.-- A person who, of his own accord, or by reason of a threat of being beaten, joins a
gang of dacoits, knowing their character is not entitled to the benefit of this exception, on the ground
of his having been compelled by his associates to do anything that is an offence by law.
Explanation 2.-- A person seized by a gang of dacoits and forced by threat of instant death, to do a
thing which is an offence by law; for example, a smith compelled to take his tools and to force the
door of a house for the dacoits to enter and plunder it, is entitled to the benefit of this exception.
95. Nothing is an offence by reason that it causes, or that it is intended to cause, or that it is
known to be likely to cause, any harm, if that harm is so slight that no person of ordinary sense and
temper would complain of such harm.
of the Right of Private Defence
96. Nothing is an offence, which is done in the exercise-of the right of private defence.
97. Every person has a right, subject to the restrictions contained in section 99, to defend--
First.-- His own body, and the body of any other person, against any offence affecting the human
body;
Secondly-- The property, whether moveable or immoveable, of himself or of any other person,
against any act which is an offence falling under the definition of theft, robbery, mischief or criminal
trespass, or which is an attempt to commit theft, robbery, mischief or criminal trespass.
98. When an act, which would otherwise be a certain offence, is not that offence by reason of the
youth, the want of maturity of understanding, the unsoundness of mind, or the intoxication of the
person doing that act, or by reason of any misconception on the part of that person, every person
has the same right of private defence against that act which he would have if the act were that
offence.
Illustrations
(a) Z, under the influence of madness, attempts to kill A ; Z is guilty of no offence. But A has the
same right of private defence which he would have if Z were sane.
(b) A enters by night a house which he is legally entitled to enter. Z, in good faith, taking A for a
house-breaker, attacks A. Here Z, by attacking A under this misconception, commits no offence, But
A has the same right of private defence against Z, which he would have if Z were not acting under
that misconception.
99. There is no right of private defence against an act which does not reasonably cause the
apprehension of death or of grievous hurt, if done or attempted to be done by a public servant acting
in good faith under colour of his office, though that act may not be strictly justifiable by law.
There is no right of private defence against an act which does not reasonably cause the
apprehension of death or of grievous hurt, if done or attempted to be done by the direction of a
public servant acting in good faith under colour of his office though that direction may not be strictly
justifiable by law.
There is no right of private defence in cases in which there is time to have recourse to the
protection of the public authorities.
The right of private defence in no case extends to the inflicting of more harm than it is necessary
to inflict for the purpose of defence.
Explanation. 1.-- A person is not deprived of the right of private defence against an act done or
attempted to be done by a public servant, as such, unless he knows, or has reason to believe, that
the person doing the act is such public servant.
Explanation. 2.-- A person is not deprived of the right of private defence against an act done or
attempted to be done by the direction of a public servant unless he knows, or has reason to believe,
that the person doing the act is acting by such direction, or unless such person states the authority
under which he acts, or if he has authority in writing, unless he produces such authority if
demanded.
100.The right of private defence of the body extends, under the restrictions mentioned in the last
preceding section, to the voluntary causing of death or of any other harm to the assailant, if the
offence which occasion the exercise of the right be of any of the descriptions hereinafter
enumerated, namely
First.-- Such an assault as may reasonably cause the apprehension that death will otherwise be
the consequence of such assault
Secondly.-- Such an assault as may reasonably cause the apprehension that grievous hurt will
otherwise be the consequence of such assault;
Thirdly. --An assault with the intention of committing rape;
Fourthly. -- An assault with the intention of gratifying unnatural lust;
Fifthly.--An assault with the intention of kidnapping or abducting;
Sixthly. --An assault with the intention of wrongfully confining a person, under circumstances which
may reasonably cause him to apprehend that he will be unable to have recourse to the public
authorities for his release.
101. If the offence be not of any of the descriptions enumerated in the last preceding section, the
right of private defence of the body does not extend to the voluntary causing of death to the
assailant, but does extend, under the restrictions mentioned in section 99, to the voluntary causing
to the assailant of any harm other than death.
102. The right of private defence of the body commences as soon as a reasonable apprehension
of danger to the body arises from an attempt or threat to commit the offence though the offence may
not have been committed; and it continues as long as such apprehension of danger to the body
continues.
103. The right of private defence of property extends, under the restrictions mentioned in section
99, to the voluntary causing of death or of any other harm to the wrong-doer, if the offence, the
committing of which, or the attempting to commit which, occasions the exercise of the right, be an
offence of any of the descriptions hereinafter enumerated, namely
First.-- Robbery:
Secondly.-- House-breaking by night;
Thirdly.-- Mischief by fire committed on any building, tent or vessel, which building, tent or vessel is
used as a human dwelling or as a place for the custody of property;
Fourthly.-- Theft, mischief or house-trespass, under such circumstances as may reasonably cause
apprehension that death of grievous hurt will be the consequence if such right of private defence is
not exercised.
104. If the offence, the committing of which, or the attempting to commit which, occasions the
exercise of the right of private defence, be theft, mischief or criminal trespass, not of any of the
descriptions enumerated in the last preceding section, that right does not extend to the voluntary
causing of death, but does extend, subject to the restrictions mentioned in section 99, to the
voluntary causing to the wrong-doer of any harm other than death.
105. The right of private defence of property commences when a reasonable apprehension of
danger to the property commences.
The right of private defence of property against theft continues till the offender has effected his
retreat with the property, or either the assistance of the public authorities is obtained or the property
has been recovered.
The right of private defence of property against robbery continues as long as the offender causes
or attempts to cause to any person death or hurt or wrongful restraint, or as long as the fear of
instant death or of instant hurt or of instant personal restraint continues.
The right of private defence of property against criminal trespass or mischief continues as long as
the offender continues in the commission of criminal trespass or mischief.
The right of private defence of property against house-breaking by night continues as long as the
house-trespass which has been begun by such housebreaking continues.
l06. If in the exercise of the right of private defence against an assaults which reasonably causes
the apprehension of death, the defender be so situated that he cannot effectually exercise that right
without risk of harm to an innocent person, his right of private defence extends to the running of that
risk.
Illustration
A is attacked by a mob who attempt to murder him. He cannot effectually exercise his right of
private defence without firing on the mob, and he cannot fire without risk of harming young children
who are mingled with the mob. A commits no offence if by so firing he harms any of the children.
CHAPTER V
OF ABETMENT
107. A person abets the doing of a thing, who-
First. -- Instigates any person to do that thing; or
Secondly.-- Engages with one or more other person or
person in any conspiracy for the doing of that thing, if an act or illegal omission takes place in
pursuance of that conspiracy and in order the doing of that thing; or
Thirdly.-- Intentionally aids, by any act or illegal omission, the doing of that thing.
Explanation 1.-- A person who, by willful misrepresentation, or by willful concealment of a material
fact which he is bound to disclose, voluntarily causes or procures, or attempts to cause or procure, a
thing to be done, is said to instigate the doing of that thing.
A, a public officer, is authorized by a warrant from a Court of Justice to apprehend Z.B knowing
that fact and also that C is not Z, willfully represents to A that U is Z, and thereby intentionally
causes A to apprehend C. Here B abets by instigation the apprehension of C.
Explanation 2. -- Whoever, either prior to or at the time of the commission of an act, does anything
in order to facilitate the commission of that act, and thereby facilitates the commission thereof, is
said to aid the doing of that act.
108. A person abets an offence, who abets either the commission of an offence, or the
commission of an act which would be an offence if committed by a person capable by law of com-
mitting an offence with the same intention or knowledge as that of the abettor.
Explanation 1.-- The abetment of the illegal omission of an act may amount to an offence although
the abettor may not himself be bound to do that act.
Explanation 2. -- To constitute the offence of abetment it is not necessary that the act abetted
should be committed, or that effect requisite to constitute the offence should be caused
Illustrations
(a) A instigates B to murder C. B refuses to do so. A is guilty of abetting B to commit murder.
(b) A is instigates B to murder D. B in pursuance of the instigation stabs D. D recovers from the
wound. A is guilty of instigating B to commit murder.
Explanation 3.-- It is not necessary that the person abetted should be capable by law of
committing an offence, or that he should have the same guilty intention or knowledge as that of the
abettor, or any guilty intention or knowledge.
Illustrations
(a) A, with a guilty intention, abets a child or a lunatic to commit an act which would be an
offence, if committed by a person capable by law of committing an offence, and having the same
intention as A. Here A whether the act be committed or not, is guilty of abetting an offence.
(b) A, with the intention of murdering Z instigates B, a child under seven years of age, to do
an act which causes Z's death. B, in consequence of the abetment, dose the act in the absence of A
and there by causes Z's death. Here, though B was not capable by law of committing an offence, A
is liable to be punished in the same manner as if B had been capable by law of committing an
offence, and had committed murder, and he is therefore subject to the punishment of death.
(c) A instigates B to set fire to a dwelling-house. B in consequence of the unsoundness of his
mind, being incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is wrong or contrary
to law, sets fire to the house in consequence of A's instigation. B has committed no offence, but A is
guilty of abetting the offence of setting fire to a dwelling - house, and is liable to the punishment
provided for that offence.
(d) A., intending to cause a theft to be committed, instigates B to take property belonging to Z out
of Z's possession. A induces B to believe that the property belongs to A. B takes the property out of
Z's possession, in good faith, believing it to be A's property. B, acting under the misconception, does
not take dishonestly, and therefore does not commit theft. But A is guilty of abetting theft, and is
liable to the same punishment, as if B had committed theft.
Explanation 4. --The abetment of an offence being an offence, the abetment of such an abetment
is also an offence.
Illustrations
A, instigates B to instigates C to murder Z. B accordingly instigates murder Z, and C commits that
offence in consequence of B's instigation. B is liable to be punished for his offence with the
punishment for murder, and, instigated B to commit office; A is also liable to the same punishment.
Explanation 5. -- It is not necessary to the commission of the offence of abetment by conspiracy
that the abettor should concert the offence with the person who commits it. It is sufficient if he
engages in the conspiracy in pursuance of which offence is committed.
Illustrations
A concerts with B a plan for poisoning Z. It is agreed that A shall administer the poison. B then
explains the plan to C mentioning that a third person is to administer the poison; Z dies in
consequence. Here though A and C have not conspired together, yet C has been engaged the
conspiracy in pursuance of which Z has been murdered. C has therefore committed in the
conspiracy in pursuance of which Z has been murdered. C has therefore committed the offence
defined in the section and is liable to the punishment for murder.
108A. A person abets an offence within the meaning of this Code who, in the Union of Burma,
abets the commission of any act without and beyond the Union of Burma which would constitute an
offence if committed in the Union of Burma.
Illustrations
A, in the Union of Burma instigates B, a foreigner in Goa, to commit a murder in Goa. A is guilty of
abetting murder.
109. Whoever abets any offence shall, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the
abetment, and no express provision is made by this Code of the punishment of such abetment, be
punished with the punishment provided for the offence.
Explanation- An act or offence is said to be committed in sequence of abetment, when it is
committed in consequence of the instigation, or in pursuance of the conspiracy, or with the aid which
constitutes the abetment.
Illustrations
(a) A offers a bribe to B, a public servant, as a reward for showing A some favour in the exercise
of B's official functions. B accepts the bribe. A has betted the offence defined in section 161.
(b) A instigates B to give false evidence. B in consequence of~ the instigation, commits that
offence. A is guilty of abetting that offence, and is liable to the same punishment as B.
(c) A and B conspire to poison Z, A in pursuance of the conspiracy procures the poison and
delivers it to B in order that he may ad-~ minister it to Z. B, in pursuance of the conspiracy,
administers the] poison to Z in A's absence and there by causes Z's death. Here B is guilty of
murder, A is guilty of abetting that offence by conspiracy, and is liable to the punishment for murder.
110. Whoever abets the commission of an offence shall ii procures the person abetted does the
act with a different intention or knowledge from that of the abettor, be punished with the punishment
provided for the offence which would have been commit-I ted if the act had been done with the
intention or knowledge of the abettor and with no other
111. When an act is abetted and a different act is done, the abettor is liable for the act done in the
same manner and to the same extent as if he bad directly abetted it:
provided the act done was a probable consequence of the abetment, and was committed under
the influence of the instigation, or with the aid or in pursuance of the conspiracy which constituted
the abetment.
Illustrations
(a) A instigates a child to put poison into the food of Z. and gives him poison for that purpose. The
child, in consequence of the instigation, by mistake puts the poison into the food of Y, which is by
the side of that of A. Here if the child was acting under the influence of A's instigation, and the act
done was under the circumstances a probable consequence of the abetment, A is liable in the same
manner and to the same extent as if he had instigated the child to put the poison into the food of Y
(b) A instigates B to burn Z's house; B sets fire to the house and at the same time commits theft of
property there. A, though guilty of abetting the burning of the house, is not guilty of abetting the theft;
for the theft was a distinct act, and not a probable consequence of the burning.
(c) A instigates B and C to break into an inhabited house at midnight for the purpose of robbery,
and provides them with arms for that murder was the probable consequence of the abetment, A is
liable to the punishment provided for murder.
112. If the act for which the abettor is liable under the last preceding section is committed in
addition to the act abetted, and constitutes a distinct offence, the abettor is liable to punishment for
each of the offences.
Illustrations
A instigates B to resist by force a distress made by a public servant. B in consequence resists that
distress. In offering the resistance, B voluntarily causes grievous hurt to the officer executing the
distress, As B has committed both the offence of resisting the distress and the offence of voluntarily
causing grievous hurt, B is liable to punishment for both these offences; and if A knew that B was
likely voluntarily to cause grievous hurt in resisting the distress A will be liable to punishment for
each of the offence.
113. When an act is abetted with the intention on the part of the abettor of causing a particular
effect, and an act for which the abettor is liable in consequence of the abetment causes a different
effect from that intended by the abettor, the abettor is liable for the effect caused in the same
manner and to the same extent as if he had abetted the act with the intention of causing that effect,
provided he knew that the act abetted was likely to cause that effect.
A instigates B to cause grievous hurt to Z B, in consequence of the instigation, causes grievous
hurt to Z. Z dies in consequence. Here if A knew that the grievous hurt abetted was likely to cause
death, A is liable to be punished with the punishment provided for murder.
114. Whenever any person, who if absent would be liable to punished as an abettor, is present
when the act or offence for which he would be punishable in consequence of the abetment is com-
mitted, he shall be deemed to have committed such act or offence.
115. Whoever abets the commission of an offence punishable with death or transportation for life
shall, if that offence be not committed in consequence. of the abetment, and no express provision is
made by this Code for the punishment of such abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if any act for which the abettor is liable in consequence of the abetment, and which causes
hurt to any person, s done, the abettor shall be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to fourteen years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Illustrations
A instigates B to murder Z. The offence is not committed. If B had murdered Z, he would have
been subjected to the punishment of death or transportation for life. Therefore A is liable to
imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and also to fine;
116. Whoever abets an offence punishable with imprisonment shall, if that offence be not
committed in consequence of the abetment, and no express provision is made by this Code for the
punishment of such abetment, be punished with imprisonment of any description provided for that
offence for a term which may extend to one- fourth part of the longest term provided for that offence
; or with such fine as is provided for that offence, or with both
and if the abettor or the person abetted is a public servant whose duty it is to prevent the
commission of such offence, the abettor shall be punished with imprisonment of any description
provided for that offence for a term which may extend to one-half of the longest term provided for
that offence, or with such ‘fine as is provided for the offence, or with both.
Illustration
(a) A offers a bribe to B, a public servant, as a reward for showing A some favour in the exercise
of B's official functions B refuses to accept the bribe. A is punishable under this section.
‘A instigates B to give false evidence. Here if B does not give false evidence. A has nevertheless
.committed the offence defined in this section, and is punishable accordingly.
(c,) A, a police officer, whose duty it is to prevent robbery, abets the commission of robbery. Here,
though the robbery be not committed, A is liable to one-half of the longest term of imprisonment
provided for the offence, and also to fine.
(d) B abets the commission of a robbery by A, a police officer, whose duty it is to prevent that
offence. Here though the robbery be not committed, B is liable be one-half of the longest term of
imprisonment provided for the offence of robbery, and also to fine.
117. Whoever abets the commission of an offence by the public generally, or by any number or
class of persons exceeding ten, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Illustration
A affixes in a public place a placard instigating a sect consisting of more than ten members to
meet at a certain time and place, for the purpose of attacking the members of an adverse sect while
engaged in a procession. A has committed the offence define in this section.
118. Whoever, intending to facilitate or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby facilitate the
commission of an offence punishable with death or transportation for life,
voluntarily conceals, by any act or illegal omission, the existence of a design to commit such
offence or makes any representation which he knows to' be false respecting such design,
Shall, if that offence be committed, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, or, if the offence be not committed, with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years ; and in either case shall also be liable to
fine.
Illustration
A, knowing that dacoity is about to be committed at B, falsely informs the Magistrate that a dacoity
is about to be committed at C, a place in an opposite direction, and thereby misleads the Magistrate
with intent to facilitate the commission of the offence. The dacoity is committed at B in pursuance of
the design. A is punishable under this section.
119. Whoever, being a public servant, intending to facilitate or knowing it to be likely that he will
thereby facilitate the commission of an offence which it is his duty as such public servant to prevent,
voluntarily conceals, by any act or illegal omission, the existence of a design to commit such
offence, or makes any representation which he knows to be false respecting such design,
shall, if the offence be committed, be punished with imprisonment of any description provided for
the offence for a term which may extend to one-half of the longest term of such imprisonment, or
with such fine as is provided for that offence, or with both;
or, if the offence be punishable with death or transportation for life, with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten years;
or, if the offence be not committed, shall be punished with imprisonment of any description
provided for the offence for a term which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of such
imprisonment, or with such fine as is provided for the offence, or with both.
Illustration
A, an officer of police being legally bound to give information of all designs to commit robbery
which may come to his knowledge and knowing that B design to commit robbery, omits to give such
information with intend to facilitate the commission of that offence. Here A has by an illegal omission
concealed the existence of B's design, and is liable to punishment according to the provision of this
section.
120. Whoever, intending to facilitate or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby facilitate the
commission of an offence punishable with imprisonment,
voluntarily conceals, by any act or illegal omission, the existence of a design to commit such
offence, or makes any representation which he knows to be false respecting such design,
shall, if the offence be committed, be punished with imprisonment of the description provided for
the offence for a term which may extend to one- fourth, and, if the offence be not committed, to one-
eighth, of the longest term of such imprisonment, or with such fine as is provided for the offence, or
with both. (Back)
CHAPTER V (A)
CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY
120A. When two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done,--
(1) an illegal act, or
(2) an act which is not illegal by illegal means. such an agreement is designated a criminal
conspiracy;
Provided that no agreement except an agreement to commit an offence shall amount to a criminal
conspiracy unless some act besides the agreement is done by one or more parties to such
agreement in pursuance thereof.
Explanation-- It is immaterial whether the illegal act is the ultimate object of such agreement, or is
merely incidental to that object.
120B.(1) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death,
transportation or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards or shall, where no
express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the
same manner as if he had abetted such offence.
(2) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an
offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
not exceeding six months, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHARTER VI
OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE STATE
1121. Whoever wages war against the Union of Burma or any constituent unit thereof, or assists
any State or person or incites or conspires with any person within or without the Union to wage war
against the Union or any constituent unit thereof, or attempts or otherwise prepares by force of arms
or other violent means to overthrow the organs of the Union or of its constituent units established by
the Constitution, or takes part or is concerned in- or incites or conspires with any person within or
without the Union to make or to take part or be concerned in any such attempt shall be guilty of the
offence of High Treason.
1121A. * * * *
* 122. ( 1) Whoever commits High Treason within the Union of Burma shall be punished with death
or transportation for life.
(2) Whoever, being a citizen of the Union of Burma or ordinarily resident within the Union, commits
High Treason outside the Union shall be punished with death or transportation for life.
1123. ( 1) Whoever encourages, harbours or comforts any person whom he knows or has
reasonable ground for believing to be engaged in committing High Treason shall be punished with
transportation for life or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
Exception.-- This provision does not apply to the case in which the person who harbours is the
husband or wife of the offender.
(2) * * * *
1124. Whoever knowing that any act, the commission of which would be High Treason, is intended
or proposed to be, or is being, or has been committed, does not forthwith disclose the same,
together with all particulars there of known to him, to Magistrate, or to any police-officer, or some
other person lawfully engaged on duties relating to the preservation of peace and order shall be
guilty of the offence of misprision of High Treason and shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment
which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
1124A. Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or
otherwise, bring to attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite
disaffection towards [the Government established by law for the Union or for the constituent units
thereof,] shall be punished with transportation for life or an shorter term, to which fine may be added,
or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
Explanation. 1.-- The expression "disaffection" includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity.
Explanation. 2.-- Comments expressing disapprobation of the measures of the Government with a
view to obtain their alteration by lawful means, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred,
contempt or disaffection, do not constitute an offence under this sedition.
Explanation. 3.-- Comments expressing disapprobation of the administrative or other action of the
Government, without exciting or attempting to excite hatred, contempt or disaffection, do not
constitute an offence under this section.
2124 B. Whoever--
(a) knowingly or willfully advocates, (* *)3 advises, or teaches the duty, necessity, desirability, or
propriety or overthrowing or destroying the organs of the Union or of assassination of any officer of
any such organ, or
................................................................
1 Original sections 121, 121A 122, 123 and 124 were repealed by Act XIV, 1948, and new section 121, 122, 123 and 124 were
inserted by Act XX, 1950.
2 Sub-section (2) of section 123 was deleted by Act X, 1951.
* Substituted by Act V 1961.
(b) knowingly or willfully prints, publishes, edits, issues, circulates, sells, distributes, or publicly
displays any written or printed matter which advocates, advises, or teaches the duty, necessity,
desirability or propriety of overthrowing or destroying any such organ by force or violence, or
(c) organized or helps to organize any society, group or assembly of persons who teach, advocate
or encourage the overthrow or destruction of any such organ by force or violence, or
(d) becomes a member of, or affiliates with any such society, group or assembly of persons;
knowing the purpose thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to not less than three years and not more than ten years, and shall also be liable
to fine.
Explanation.-- For the purpose of this section, the term "the organs of the Union or of its
constituent units" means the organs of the Union or of its constituent units established by the Consti-
tution of the Union of Burma.
125.Whoever wages war against any Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the State, or
attempts to wage such war or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with transportation
for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.
126. Whoever commits depredation, or makes preparations to commit depredation, on the
territories of any Power in alliance or at peace with the State, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine and t~
forfeiture of any property used or intended to be used in committing such depredation, or acquired
by such depredation.
.................................................................
1. Substituted by Act XX, 1950.
2. Inserted by Act LXV, 1953.
3. Deleted by Act XXXLX 1954.
127. Whoever receives any property knowing the same to have been taken in the commission of
any offences mentioned in sections 125 and 126 shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine and to
forfeiture of the property so received.
128. Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of
war, voluntarily allows such prisoner to escape from any place in which such prisoner is confined,
shall be punished with transportation for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall be liable to fine.
129. Whoever, being a public servant and having the custody of any State prisoner or prisoner of
war, negligently suffers such prisoner to escape from any place of confinement in which such
prisoner is confined, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to
three years and shall also be liable to fine.
130. Whoever knowingly aids or assists any State prisoner or prisoner of war in escaping from
lawful custody, or rescues or attempts to rescue any such prisoner, or harbours or conceals any
such prisoner who has escaped from lawful custody, or offers or attempts to offer any resistance to
the recapture of such prisoner, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation. -- A State prisoner or prisoner of war, who is permitted to be at large on his parole
within certain limits in the Union of Burma, is said to escape from lawful custody if he goes beyond
the limits within which he is allowed to be at large. (Back)
CHAPTER VI (A)1
OFFENCES RELATING TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONTAINED
IN THE CONSTITUTION AND ACTS OF THE PARLIAMENT
1130A. Except where penalty or other mode of punishment is expressly prescribed by law,
whoever, without any reasonable excuse, contravenes any provisions contained in sections 15, 17,
19, 20, or sub - sections (2) and (3) of sections 23 of the Constitution of the Union of Burma or in
any Act enacted by the Parliament of the Union of Burma by wilfully doing any act which it forbids, or
by wilfully omitting to do any act which it requires to be done, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER VI (B)1
LIBEL AGAINST FOREIGN POWERS
1130.B. Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read or by signs or by visible
representations, publishes anything tending to degrade, revile or to expose to hatred or contempt
any Foreign State, Head of State, Ambassador or other dignitary of a Foreign State, with intent to
disturb peaceful and friendly relationship between the Union of Burma and that Foreign State, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or
with fine, or with both.
..............................................................
* Inserted by Act XX, 1950.
First Exception. -- It is not an offence under this section to publish any fair comment on a matter of
public interest without any intent to disturb peaceful or friendly relationship between the Union of
Burma and that State.
Second Exception.-- It is not an offence under this section to publish anything which is true, if it be
for the public good that the publication should be made. Whether or not it is for the public good is a
question of fact. (Back)
CHAPTER VII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO THE, NAVY AND AIR FORCE
131. Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army,
Navy or Air Force (*****) 2, or attempts to seduce any officer, soldier, sailor or airman from his
allegiance or his duty, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
2 [* * * *]
132.Whoever abets the committing of mutiny by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army,
Navy or Air Force (****)2, shall, if mutiny be committed in consequence of that abetment, be
punished with death or with transportation for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
133. Whoever abets an assault by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or air
Force (***)1, on any superior officer being in the execution of his office shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which extend to three years, and shall also be liable to
fine.
134. Whoever abets an assault by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air
Force (**)1, on any superior officer being in the execution of his office, shall, if such assault be
committed in consequence of that abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
............................................................
1. Inserted by Act XX. 1950.
2.Omitted by The Union of Burma(Adaptation of Laws)Order, 1948.
135. Whoever, abets the desertion of any officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army,
Navy or Air Force (***)1 shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to two years or with fine, or with both.
136. Whoever, except as hereinafter excepted, knowing or having reason to be1ieve that an
officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force, (***)1, has deserted, harbours such
officer, soldier, sailor or airman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Exception. -- This provision does not extend to the cases in with the harbour is given by a wife to
her husband.
137. The master or person in charge of a merchant vessel, on board of which any deserter from
the Army, Navy or Air Force *** *)1, is concealed, shall though ignorant of such concealment, be
liable to penalty not exceeding five hundred rupees if he might have known of such concealment but
for some neglect of his duty as such master person in charge, or but for some want of discipline on
board of the vessel.
138. Whoever abets what he knows to be an act of insubordination by an officer, soldier, sailor or
airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force (***)1 shall if such act of insubordination be committed in
consequence of that abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
2139. No person subject to the Burma Army Act, the Burma Naval Volunteer Reserve (Discipline)
Act or the Burma Air Force (Discipline) Act, 1947, is subject to punishment under this Code for any
of the offences defined in this Chapter.
............................................................
1. Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
2. Substituted ibid.
140. Whoever, not being a soldier, sailor or airman, in the Military, Naval or Air service [* * *] 1
wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by such a soldier, sailor or
airman, with the intention that it may be believed that he is such a soldier, sailor or airman, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or
with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER VIII
OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE PUBLIC TRANQUILITY
141 .An assembly of five or more persons is designated an "unlawful assembly," if the common
object of the person composing that assembly is--
First.-- To overawe by criminal force, or show of criminal force, the Union Parliament or the
Government, or any public servant in the exercise of ‘the lawful power of such public servant ; or
Second-- To resist the execution of any law, or of any legal process ; or
Third.-- To commit any mischief or criminal trespass, or other offence ; or
Fourth.-- By means of criminal force, or shown of criminal force, to any person to take or obtain
possession of any property, or to deprive any person of the enjoyment of a right of way, or of the use
of water or other incorporeal right of which he is in possession or enjoyment, or to enforce any right
or supposed right; or
Fifth. -- By means of criminal force, or show of criminal force, to compel any person to do what he
is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do what he is legally entitled to do.
....................................................................
I Omitted by the Union of Burma(Adaptation of Laws)Order, 1948.
Explanation.-- An assembly which was not unlawful when it assembled may subsequently become
an unlawful assembly.
142.Whoever, being aware of facts which render any assembly an unlawful assembly, intentionally
joins that assembly, or continues in it, is said to be a member of an unlawful assembly.
143. Whoever, is a member of an unlawful assembly shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
144. Whoever, being armed with any deadly weapon, or with anything which used as a weapon of
offence, is likely to cause death, is a member of an unlawful assembly, shall be punished with
imprisonment of their description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both
145. Whoever, joins or continues in an unlawful assembly, knowing that such unlawful assembly
has been commanded in the manner prescribed by law to disperse, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
146.Whenever force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof, in
prosecution of the common object of such assembly, every member of such assembly is guilty of the
offence of rioting.
147. Whoever, is guilty of rioting shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to two years, or with fine or with both.
148. Whoever, is guilty of rioting, being armed with a deadly weapon or with anything which, used
as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both
149.If an offence is committed by any member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of the
common object of that assembly, or such as the members of that assembly knew to be likely to be
committed in prosecution of that object, every person who, at the time of the committing of that
offence, is a member of the same assembly is guilty of that offence.
150. Whoever hires or engages, or employs or promotes or connivers at the hiring, engagement or
employment of ~ person to join or become a member of an unlawful assembly, shall be punishable
as a member of such unlawful assembly, and for any offence which may be committed by any such
person as a member of such unlawful assembly in pursuance of such hiring, engagement or
employment, in the same manner as if he had been a member of such unlawful assembly, or himself
had committed such offence.
151.Whoever knowing joins or continues in any assembly of five more persons likely to cause a
disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months,
or with fine, or with both.
Explanation.-- If the assembly is an unlawful assembly within the meaning of section 141, the
offender will be punishable under section 145.
152. Whoever assaults or threatens to assault, or obstructs or attempts to obstruct, any public
servant in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, in endeavoring to disperse an unlawful
assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray, or uses, or threatens, or attempts to use criminal force to
such public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
153. Whoever malignantly, or wantonly, by doing anything which is illegal, gives provocation to
any person intending or knowing if to be likely that such provocation will cause the offence of rioting
to be committed, shall, if the offence of rioting be committed in consequence of such provocation, be
punished with imprisonment &f either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine, or with both and if the offence of rioting be not committed, with imprisonment of either de-
scription for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
153A. Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representations, or
otherwise, promotes or attempts to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of
[persons resident in the Union] ‘ shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two
years, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation.-- It does not amount to an offence within the meaning of this section to point out,
without malicious intention and with an honest view to their removal, matters which are producing, or
have a tendency to produce, feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of [persons
resident in the Union]'.
154. Whenever any unlawful assembly or riot takes place, the owner or occupier of the land upon
which such unlawful
assembly is held, or such riot is committed, and any person haying or claiming an interest in such
land, shall be punishable
with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees, if he or his
................................................................
1 .Substituted by the Union of Burma(Adaptation of Laws)Order, 1948.
agent or manager, knowing that such offence is being or has been committed, or having reason to
believe it is likely to be committed, do not give the earliest notice thereof in his or their power to the
principal officer at the nearest police station and do not, in the case of his or their having reason to
believe that it was about to be committed, use all lawful means in his or their power to prevent it and,
in the event of its taking place, do not use all lawful means in his or their power to disperse or
suppress the riot or unlawful assembly.
155. Whenever a riot is committed for the benefit or on behalf of any person who is the owner or
occupier of any land respecting which such riot takes place or who claims any interest in such land,
or in the subject of any dispute which gave rise to the riot, or who has accepted or derived any
benefit there from, such person shall be punishable with fine, if he or his agent or manager, having
reason to believe that such riot was likely to be committed or that the unlawful by which such riot
was committed was likely to be held, shall not respectively use all lawful means in his or their power
to prevent such assembly or riot from taking place, and for suppressing and dispersing the same.
156. Whenever a riot is committed for the benefit or on behalf of any person who is the owner or
occupier of any land respecting which such riot takes place, or who claims any interest in such land,
or in the subject of any dispute which gave rise to the riot, or who has accepted or derived any
benefit there from,
the agent or manager of such person shall be punishable with fine, if such agent or manager,
having reason to believe that such riot was likely to be committed, or that the unlawful assembly by
which such riot was committed was likely to be held, shall not use all lawful means in his power to
prevent such riot or assembly from taking place and for suppressing and dispersing the same.
157. Whoever harbours, receives or assembles, in any house or premises in his occupation or
charge or under his control, any persons, knowing that such persons have been hired, engaged or
employed, or are about to be hired, engaged or employed, to join or become members of an
unlawful assembly, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
158. Whoever is engaged or hired, or offers or attempts to be hired or engaged, to do or assist in
doing any of the acts specified in section 141, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both,
and whoever, being so engaged or hired as aforesaid, goes armed or engages or offers to go
armed, with any deadly weapon or with anything which used as a weapon of offence is likely to
cause death shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to two years, or with fine, or with both.
159. When two or more persons, by fighting in a public place, disturb the public peace, they are
said to "commit an affray".
160. Whoever commits an affray shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, or with
both. (Back)
CHAPTER IX
OF OFFENCES BY OR RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVANTS
161. Whoever , being or expecting to be a public servant, accepts or obtains, or agrees to accept,
or attempts to obtain from any person, for himself or for any other person, any gratification whatever,
other than legal remuneration, as a motive or reward for doing or forbearing to do any official act or
for showing or for bearing to show, in the exercise of his official functions, favour or disfavour to any
person, or for rendering or attempting to render any service or disservice to any person with the
Union Parliament or the Government or with any public servant, as such, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with
both.
Explanations.-- "Expecting to be a public servant." If a person not expecting to be in office obtains
a gratification by deceiving others into a belief that he is about to be in Office, and that he will then
serve them, he may be guilty of cheating, but he is not guilty of the offence defined in this section.
"Gratification". The word "gratification" is not restricted to pecuniary gratification, or to gratifications
estimable in money.
"Legal remuneration." The words "legal remuneration" are not restricted to remuneration which a
public servant can lawfully demand, but include all remuneration which he is permitted by the
Government to accept.
"A motive or reward for doing." A person who receives a gratification as a motive for doing what he
does not intended to do, or a reward for doing what he has not done, comes within these words.
Illustrations
(a) A, a Magistrate, obtains from Z, a banker, a situation in Z's bank for A's brother, as a reward to
A for deciding a cause in favour of Z. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A, holding the office of Resident at the Court of a subsidiary Power, accepts a lakh of rupees
from the Minister of that Power. It does not appear the A accepted this sum as a motive or reward
for doing or forbearing to do any particular official act, or for rendering or attempting to render any
particular service to that Power with the British Government. But it does appear that A accepted the
sum as a motive or reward for generally showing favour in the exercise of his official function to that
Power. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(c) A, a public servant, induces Z erroneously to believe that A's influence with the Government
has obtained a title for Z and thus induces Z to give A money as a reward for this service. A has
committed the offence defined in this section.
162. Whoever accepts or obtains, or agrees to accept, or attempts to obtain, from any person, for
himself or for any other person, any gratification whatever as a motive or reward for inducing, by
corrupt or illegal means, any public servant to do or to forbear to do any official act, or in the
exercise of the official functions of such public servant to show favour or disfavour to any person, or
to render or attempt to render any service or disservice to any person with the Union Parliament or
the Government or with any public servant, as such, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine , or with both.
163. Whoever accepts or obtains, or agrees to accept, or attempts to obtain, from any person, for
himself or for any other person, any gratification whatever as a motive or reward for inducing, by the
exercise of personal influence, any public servant to do or to forbear to do any official act, or in the
exercise of the official function of such public servant to show favour or disfavour to any person, or
to render or attempt to render any service or disservice to any person with the Union Parliament or
the Government or with any public servant, as such, shall be punished' with simple imprisonment for
a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, with both.
Illustration
An advocate who receives a fee for arguing a case before a Judge; a person who receives pay for
arranging and correcting a memorial addressed lo Government, setting forth the services and claims
of the memorialist; a paid agent for a condemned criminal who lays before the Government
statements tending to show that the condemnation was unjust- are not within this section, inasmuch
as they do not exercise or profess to exercise personal influence.
164. Whoever, being a public servant, respect of whom either of the offences defined in
the last two preceding sections is committed, abets the offence, shall be punished with impris-
onment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Illustration
A is a public servant. B, A's wife, receives a present as a motive for soliciting A to give an office to
a particular persons. A abets her doing so B is punishable with imprisonment for a term not
exceeding one year, or with fine or with both. A is punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
165. Whoever, being a public servant, accepts or obtains, or agrees to accept or attempts to
obtain, for himself,
or for any other person, any valuable thing without-consideration, or for a consideration which he
knows to be inadequate,
from any person whom he knows to have been, or to be, or to likely to be, concerned in any
proceeding or business trans-acted or about to be transacted by such public servant, or having any
connection With the official functions of himself or of any public servant to whom he is subordinate,
or from any person whom he knows to be interested in or related to the person so concerned,
shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine,
or with both.
Illustration
(a) A, a Collector, hires a house of Z, who has a settlement case pending before him. It is
agreed that A shall pay fifty rupees a month, the house being such that, if the bargain were made in
good faith, A would be required to pay two hundred rupees a month, A has obtained a valuable thing
from Z without adequate consideration.
(b) A, a Judge, buys of ~, who has cause pending in A's Court, Government promissory notes at
a discount, when they are selling in the market at a premium. A has obtained a valuable thing from Z
without adequate consideration.
(c) Z s brother is apprehended and taken before A, a Magistrate, on a charge of perjury. A Sells
to a share in a bank at a premium, when they are selling in the market at a discount. Z pays A for
the shares accordingly. The money so obtained by A is a valuable thing obtained by him without
adequate consideration.
166. Whoever, being a public servant, knowingly disobeys any direction of the law as to the way
in which he is to conduct himself as such public servant, intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely
that he will, by such disobedience, cause injury to any person, shall be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Illustration
A, being an officer directed by law to take property in execution in order to satisfy a decree
pronounced in Z's favour by a Court of Justice, knowingly disobeys that direction of law, with the
knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause injury to Z. A has committed the offence defined in this
section.
167. Whoever, being a public servant, and being as such public servant, charged with the
preparation or translation of any document, frames or translates that document in a manner which
he knows or believes to be incorrect, intending thereby to cause or knowing it to be likely that he
may thereby cause injury to any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
168. Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant not to
engage in trade, engages in trade shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may
extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
169. Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant not
to purchase or bid for certain property, purchases or bids for that property, either in his own name or
in the name of another, or jointly, or in shares with others, shall be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both, and the property,
if purchased, shall be confiscated.
170.Whoever, pretends to hold any particular office as a public servant, knowing that he does
not hold such office, or falsely personates any other person holding such office, and in such
assumed character does or attempts to do any act under colour of such office, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
171. Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries
any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that
it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class
or public servants, shall be punished with imprisonment or wither description for a term which may
extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both. (Back)
..............................................................
1. Inserted by XXIV, 1951.
CHAPTER IX (A)
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTION
171A. For the purposes of this Chapter--
(a) "candidate" means a person who has been nominated as a candidate at any election and
includes a person who when an election is in contemplation, holds himself out as a prospective
candidate thereat; provided that he is subsequently nominated as a candidate at such election;
(b) "electoral right" means the right or a person to stand, or not to stand as, or to withdraw from
being, a candidate or to vote or refrain from voting at an election.
171B. (1) Whoever--
(1) gives a gratification to any person with the object of inducing him or any other person to
exercise any electoral right or of rewarding any person for having exercised any such right or
(11) accepts either for himself or for any other person any gratification as a reward for
exercising any such right or for inducing or attempting to induce any other person to exercise any
such right commits the offence of bribery;
Provided that a declaration of public policy or a promise of public action shall not be an offence
under this section.
(2) A person who offers, or agrees to give, or offers or attempts to procure, a gratification shall be
deemed to give a gratification.
(3) A person who obtains or agrees to accept or attempts to obtain a gratification shall be
deemed to accept a gratification, and a person who accepts a gratification as a motive for doing
what he does not intend to do, or as a reward for doing what he has not done, shall be deemed to
have accepted the gratification as' a reward.
171C. (l) Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any
electoral right commits' the offence of undue influence at an election.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section
(1), whoever--
(a) Threatens any candidate or voter, or any person in whom a candidate or voter is interested,
with injury of any kind or
(b) induces or attempts to induce a candidate or voter to believe that he or any person in whom
he is interested will become or will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure or of spiritual
censure, shall be deemed to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right of such candidate
or voter, within the meaning of sub-section (1).
(3) A declaration of public policy or a promise of public action, or the mere exercise of a legal
right without intent to interfere with an electoral right, shall not be deemed to be interference within
the meaning of this section.
171 D. Whoever at an election applies for a voting paper or votes in the name of any other person,
whether living or dead, or in a fictitious name, or who having voted once at such election applies at
the same election for a voting paper in his own name, and whoever abets, procures or attempts to
procure the voting by any person in any such way, commits the offence of personation at an
election.
171E. Whoever commits the offence of bribery shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine or with both:
Provided that bribery by treating shall be punished with fine only.
Explanation-- "Treating" means that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink,
entertainment, or provision.
171E Whoever commits the offence of under influence or personation at an election shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine, or with both:
I Provided that if the offence of personation is committed in respect of an election to either
Chamber of Parliament, the offender shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to two years, and may also be liable to fine.
171G. Whoever with intent to affect the result of an election makes or publishes any statement
purporting to be a statement of fact which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false
or does not believe to be true, in relation to the personal character or conduct of any candidate, shall
be punished with fine.
171H. Whoever without the general or special authority in writing of a candidate incurs or
authorizes expenses on account of the holding of any public meeting, or upon an advertisement,
circular or publication, or in any other way whatsoever for the purpose of promoting or procuring the
election of such candidate, shall be punished with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees:
Provided that is any person having incurred any such expenses not exceeding the amount often
rupees without authority obtains within ten days from the date on which such expenses where [sic]
incurred the approval in writing of the candidate, he shall be deemed to have incurred such
expenses with the authority of the candidate
171 I. Whoever being required by any law for the' time~ being in force or any rule having the force
of law to keep accounts of expenses incurred at or in connection with an election fails to keep such
shall be punished with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
1171 J. Whoever, without lawful excuse, the burden of proof there of being on him, has or retains
in his possession inside a polling station, where votes are being recorded at an election [* * * * * ]2
one or more voting tokens or ballot papers or colourable imitation thereof except for the lawful pur-
pose or recording his vote or has in his possession outside such polling station, one or more voting
tokens or ballot papers or colourable imitation thereof shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment
for a term which may extend to two years, and may also be liable to fine. (Back)
CHAPTER X
OF CONTEMPTS OF THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS
172. Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons notice or order
proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such, public servant, to issue such
summons, notice or order, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend
to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both,
or, if the summons or notice or order is to attend in person or by agent, or to produce a
document in a Court of Justice, with simple imprisonment for a ten which may extend to six months,
or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
173. Whoever in any manner intentionally prevents the serving on himself or on any other person
of any summons, notice or order proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such
public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order,
or intentionally prevents the lawful affixing to any place of any such summons, notice or order,
or intentionally removes any such summons, notice or order from any place to which it is lawfully
affixed,
or intentionally prevents the lawful making of any proclamation under the authority of any public
servant legally competent, as such public servant, to direct such proclamation to be made,
shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with
fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both;
or, if the summons, notice, order or proclamation is to attend in person or by agent, or to produce
a document in a Court of Justice, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
174. Whoever, being legally bound to attend in person or by an agent at a certain place and time
in obedience to a summons, notice, order of proclamation proceeding from any public servant legally
competent, as such public servant, to issue the same,
intentionally omits to attend at that place or time, or departs from the place where he is bound to
attend before the time at which it is lawful for him to depart,
shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with
fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;
or, if the summons, notice, order or proclamation is to attend in person or by agent in a Court of
Justice, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may
extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
175. Whoever, being legally bound to produce or deliver up any document to any public servant,
as such, intentionally omits sp to produce or deliver up the same, shall be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five
hundred rupees, or with both;
or, if the document is to be produced or delivered up to ~ Court of Justice, with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
176. Whoever, being legally bound to give any notice or to furnish information on any subject to
any public servant, as such, intentionally omits to give such notice or to furnish such information in
the manner and at the time required by law, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for ~term
which may extend to one month. w with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;
or, if the notice or information required to be given respects the commission of an offence, or is
required for the purpose of preventing the commission of an offence, or in order to the apprehension
of an offender, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine
which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
177. Whoever, being legally bound to furnish information on any subject to any public servant, as
such, furnishes, as true, information on the subject which he knows or has reason to believe to be
false shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with
fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both;;
or, if the information which he is legally bound to give respects the commission of an offence, or is
required for the purpose of preventing the commission of an offence, or in order to the apprehension
of an offender, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or
with fine or with both.
Illustration
A, a landholder, knowing of the commission of a murder within the limits of his estate, willfully
misinforms the Magistrate of the district that the death has occurred by accident in consequence of
the bite of a snake. A is guilty of the offence defined in this section.
Explanation.-- In section 176 and in this section the word "offence" includes any act committed at
any place out of the Union of Burma, which, if committed in the Union of Burma, would, be
punishable under any of the following sections namely, 302, 304, 382, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397,
398, 399, 402, 435, 436, 449, 450, 457, 458, 459 and 460 ; the word "offender~~ includes any
person who is alleged to have been guilty of any such act.
178. Whoever refuses to bind himself by an oath of affirmation to state the truth, when required so
to bind himself by a public servant legally competent to require that he shall so bind himself, shall be
punished with simple imprisonment for a term winch may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
179. Whoever, being legally bound to state the truth on any subject to any public servant, refuses
to answer any question demanded of him touching that subject by such public servant in the
exercise of legal powers of such public servant, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a
term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with
both.
180. Whoever refuses to sign any statement made by him, when required to sign that statement
by a public servant legally competent to require that he shall sign that statement, shall be punished
with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may
extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
181. Whoever, being legally bound by an oath or affirmation to state the truth on any subject to
any public servant or other person authorized by law to administer such oath or affirmation, makes,
to such public servant or other person as aforesaid, touching that subject, any statement which is
false, and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
182. Whoever gives to any public servant any information which he knows or believes to be false,
intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause such public servant-
(a) to do or omit anything which such public servant ought not to do or omit if the true state of
facts respecting which such information is given were known by him, or
(b) to use the lawful power of such public servant to the injury or annoyance of any person,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Illustrations
(a) A informs a Magistrate that Z, a police-officer, subordinate to such Magistrate, has been
guilty of neglect of duty or misconduct, knowing such information to be false, and knowing it to be
likely that the information will cause the Magistrate to dismiss Z A has committed the offence defined
in this section.
(b) A falsely informs a public servant that Z has contraband salt in a secret place knowing such
information to be false, and knowing that it is likely that the consequence of the information will be a
search of Z's premises, attended with annoyance to Z. A has committed the offence defined in this
section.
(c) A falsely informs a policeman that he has been assaulted and robbed in the neighbourhood
of a particular village. He does not mention the name of any person as one of his assailants, but
knows it to be likely that ii consequence of this information the police will make enquiries and
institute searches ii the village to the annoyance of the villagers or some of them. A has committed
an offence under this section.
183. Whoever offers any resistance to the taking of any property by the lawful authority of any
public servant, knowing or having reason to believe that he is such public servant, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
184. Whoever intentionally obstructs any sale of property offered for sale by the lawful authority of
any public servant, as such, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
185. Whoever, at any sale of property held by the lawful authority of a public servant, as such,
purchases or bids for any property on account of any person, whether himself or any other, whom
he knows to be under a legal incapacity to purchase that property at that sale, or bids for such
property not intending to perform the obligations under which he lays himself by such bidding, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or
with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.
186. Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description fur a term which may extend to three
months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
187. Whoever, being bound by law to render or furnish assistance to any public servant in the
execution of his public duty, intentionally omits to give such assistance, shall be punished with
simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to
two hundred rupees, or with both;
and if such assistance be demanded of him by a public servant legally competent to make such
demand for the purposes of executing any process lawfully issued by a Court of Justice, or of
preventing the commission of an offence, or of suppressing a riot or affray, or of apprehending a
person charged with or guilty of an offence or of having escaped from lawful custody, shall be
punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
188. Whoever, knowing that by an order promulgated by a public servant lawfully empowered to
promulgate such order he is directed to abstain from a certain act, or to take certain order with
property in his possession or under his management, disobeys such direction,
shall, if such disobedience, causes or tends to cause obstruction, annoyance or injury, or risk of
obstruction, annoyance. or injury, to any persons lawfully employed, be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two
hundred rupees, or with; both,
and if such disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health or safety, or
causes or tends to cause a riot or affray, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees,
or with both.
Explanation.-- It is not necessary that the offender should intend to produce harm, or contemplate
his disobedience as~ likely to produce harm. It is sufficient that he knows of the order which he
disobeys, and that his disobedience produces, or is likely to produce, harm.
Illustration
An order is promulgated by a public servant lawfully empowered to promulgate such order,
directing that a religious procession shall not pass down a certain street. A knowingly disobeys the
order and thereby causes danger or riot. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
189. Whoever holds out any threat of injury to any public servant, or to any person in whom he
believes that public servant to be interested, for the purpose of inducing that public servant to do any
act, or to forbear or delay to do any act, connected with the exercise of the public function of such
public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
190. Whoever holds out any threat of injury to any person for the purpose of inducing that person
to refrain or desist from making a legal application for protection against any injury to any public
servant legally empowered as such to give such protection, or to cause such protection to be given
shall be' punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year,
or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XI
OF FALSE EVIDENCE AND OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC JUSTICE
191. Whoever, being legally bound by an oath or by an express provision of law to state the truth,
or being bound by law to make a declaration upon any subject, makes any statement which is false,
and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, is said to give fates
evidence.
Explanation .1-- A statement is within the meaning of this section whether it is made verbally or
otherwise.
Explanation .2-- A false statement as to the belief of the person attesting is within the meaning of
this section, and a person may be guilty of giving false evidence by stating that he believes a thing
which he does not believe, as well as by stating that he knows a thing which he does not know.
Illustration
(a) A, in support of a just claim which B has against Z for one thousand rupees, falsely swears on
a trial that he heard Z admit the justice of B's claim. A has given false evidence.
(b) A, being bound by an oath to state the truth, states that he believes a certain signature to be
the handwriting of Z when he does not believe it to be the handwriting of Z. Here A states that which
he knows to be false, and therefore gives false evidence.
(c) A, knowing the general character of Z's handwriting, states that he believes a certain signature
to be the handwriting of Z, A in good faith believing it to be so. Here A's statement is merely as to his
belief, and is true as to his belief, and therefore, although the signature may not be the handwriting
of Z, A has not given false evidence.
(d) A, being bound by an oath to state the truth, states that he knows that Z was at a particular
place on particular day, not knowing anything upon the subject, A gives false evidence whether Z
was at that place on the day named or not.
(e) A, an interpreter or translator, gives or certifies as a true interpretation or translation of a
statement or document, which he is bound by oath to interpret or translate truly, that which is not
and which he does not believe to be a true interpretation or translation. A has given false evidence.
192. Whoever causes any circumstance to exist or makes any false entry in any book or record,
or makes any document containing a false statement, intending that such circumstance, false entry
of false statement may appear in evidence in a judicial proceeding, or in a proceeding taken by law
before a public servant as such, or before an arbitrator, and that such circumstance, false entry or
false statement, so appearing in evidence, may cause any person who in such proceeding is to form
an opinion upon the evidence to entertain an erroneous opinion touching any point material to the
result of such proceeding, is said "to fabricated false evidence."
Illustration
(a) A puts jewels into a box belonging to Z with the intention that they may be found in that box,
and that this circumstance may cause Z to be convicted of theft. A has fabricated false evidence.
(b) A makes a false entry in his shop book for the purpose of using it as corroborative evidence in
a Court of Justice. A has fabricated false evidence.
(c) A, with the intention of causing Z to be convicted of a criminal conspiracy, writes a letter in
Imitation of Zs handwriting, purporting to be addressed to an accomplice in such criminal
conspiracy, and puts letter in a place which he knows that the officers of the police are likely to
search. A has fabricated false evidence.
193. Whoever intentionally gives false evidence in any stage of a judicial proceeding, or fabricates
false evidence for the purpose being used in any stage of a judicial proceeding, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either ~escr1pt1on for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also
be liable to fine:
and whoever intentionally gives or fabricates false evidence in any other case shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
Explanation. 1.-- A trial before a Court-martial is a judicial proceeding.
Explanation 2.-- An investigation directed by law, preliminary to a proceeding before a Court of
Justice, is a stage of judicial proceeding, though that investigation may not take place before a Court
of Justice.
Illustration
A, in an enquiry before a Magistrate for the purpose of ascertaining whether Z ought to be
committed for trial, makes on oath a statement which he knows to be false. As this enquiry is a
stage of a judicial proceeding, A has given false evidence.
Explanation. 3.-- An investigation directed by a Court of Justice according to law, and conducted
under the authority of a Court of Justice is a stage of a judicial proceeding, though that investigation
may not take place before a Court of Justice.
Illustration
A, in an enquiry before an officer deputed by a Court of Justice to ascertain on the spot the
boundaries of land, makes on oath a statement which he knows to be false. As this enquiry is a
stage of a judicial proceeding, A has given false evidence
194. Whoever gives or fabricates false evidence, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be
likely that he will thereby cause, any person to be convicted of an offence which is capital by the law
of the Union of Burma [***]1 shall be punished with transportation for life, or with rigorous imprison-
ment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine;
...........................................................
1Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
and if an innocent person be convicted and executed in consequence of such false
evidence, the person who gives such false evidence shall be punished either with death or the'
punishment herein before described.
195. Whoever gives or fabricates false evidence intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be
likely that he will thereby cause, any person to be convicted of an offence which by the law of the
Union of Burma [* * *]1 is not capital, but punishable with transportation for life, or imprisonment for a
term of seven years or upward, shall be punished as a person convicted of that offence would be
liable to be punished.
Illustration
A gives false evidence before a Court of Justice, intending thereby to cause Z to be convicted of a
dacoity. The punishment for dacoity is transportation for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term
which may extend to ten years, with or without fine. A, therefore, is liable to such transportation or
imprisonment, with or without fine.
196. Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true or genuine evidence any evidence which
he knows to be false or fabricated shall be punished in the same manner as if imprisonment, with or
without fine.
197. Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to
any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such
certificate is false in any material point, shall be punishable in the same manner as if he gave false
evidence.
..................................................................
1. Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
198. Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use any such certificate as a true certificate, knowing
the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false
evidence.
199. Whoever, in any declaration made or subscribed by him, which declaration any Court of
Justice, or any public servant or other person, is bound or authorized by law to receive as evidence
of any fact, makes any statement which is false, and which he either knows or believes to be false or
does not believe to true, touching any point material to the object for which the declaration is made
or used, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
200. Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true any such declaration, knowing the same to
be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
Explanation.-- A declaration which is inadmissible merely upon the ground or some informality is a
declaration within the meaning of sections 199 and 200.
201. Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, causes
any evidence of the commission of that offence to disappear, causes any evidence of the
commission of that offence to disappear, with the intention of screening the offender from legal
punishment, or with that intention gives any information respecting the offence which he knows or
believes to be false,
shall, if the offence with he knows or believes to have been committed is punishable with death, be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
and if the offence is punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment which may extend
to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which., may extend
to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for any term not extending to ten years, shall be
punished with imprisonment of the description provided for the offence for a term which may extend
to one-fourth part of the longest term of the imprisonment provided, for the offence, or with fine, or
with both.
Illustration
A, knowing that B has murdered Z, assists B to hide the body with the intention of screening B
from punishment. A is liable to imprisonment of either description for seven years, and also to fine,
202. Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed,
intentionally omits to give any information respecting that offence which he le~al1y' bound to give,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months,
or with fine, or with both.
203. Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, gives
any information respecting that offence which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
Explanation.-- In sections 201 and 202 and in this section the word "offence" includes any act
committed at any place out of the Union of Burma, which if committed in the Union of Burma, would
be punishable under any of the following sections, namely, 302, 304, 382, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396,
397, 398, 399, 402, 435, 436, 449, 450, 457, 458, 459 and 460.
204. Whoever secretes or destroys any document which he may be lawfully compelled to produce
as evidence in a Court of Justice,, or in any proceeding lawfully held before a public servant as
such, or obliterates or renders illegible the whole or any part of such, or obliterates or renders
illegible the whole or any part of such document with the intention of preventing the same from being
produced or used as evidence before such Court or public servant as aforesaid, or after he shall
have been lawfully summoned or required to produce the same for that purpose, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
205. Whoever falsely personates another, and in such assumed character makes any admission
or statement, or confesses judgment, or causes any process to be issued or becomes bail or
security, or does any other act in any suit or criminal prosecution, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with
both.
206. Whoever fraudulently removes, conceals, transfers or delivers to any person any property or
any interest therein, intending thereby to prevent that property or interest therein from being taken
as a forfeiture or in satisfaction of a fine under a sentence which has been pronounced, or which he
knows to be likely to be pronounced, by a Court of Justice or other competent authority, or from
being taken in execution of a decree or order which has been made, or which he knows to be likely
to be made, by a Court of Justice in a civil suit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
207. Whoever fraudulently accepts, receives or claims any property or any interest therein,
knowing that he has no right or rightful claim to such property or interest, or practises any' deception
touching any right to any property or any interest therein, intending thereby to prevent that property
or interest therein from being taken as a forfeiture or in satisfaction of a fine under a sentence which
has been pronounced, or which he knows to be likely to be pronounced, by a Court of Justice or
other competent authority, or from being taken in execution of a decree or order which has been
made, or which he knows to be likely to be made, by a Court of Justice in a civil suit, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description from a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
208. Whoever fraudulently causes or suffers a decree or order to be passed against hit~ at the
suit of any person for a sum not due, or for a larger sum than is due to such person, or for any
property or interest in property to which such person is not entitled, or fraudulently causes or suffers
a decree or order to be executed against him after it has been satisfied, or for anything in respect of
which it has been satisfied, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Illustration
A institutes a suit against Z. Z, knowing that A is likely to obtain a decree against him fraudulently
suffers a judgment to pass against him for larger amount at the suit of B, who has no just claim
against him in order that B, either on his own account or for the benefit of Z, may share in the
proceeds of any sale of Z's property which may be made under A's decree. Z has committed an
offence under this section.
209. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a
Court of Justice any claim which he knows to be false shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description from a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
210. Whoever fraudulently obtains a decree or order against any person or a sum not due, or for
a larger sum than is due, or for any property or interest in property to which he is not entitled, or
fraudulently causes a decree or order to be executed against any person after it has been satisfied
or for anything in respect of which it has been satisfied, or fraudulently suffers or permits any such
act to be done in his name, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
211. Whoever, with intent to cause injury to any person, institutes or cause to be instituted any
criminal proceeding against that person, or falsely charges any person with having committed an
offence, knowing that there is not just or lawful ground for such proceeding or charge against that
person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
two years, or with fine, or with both.
and if such criminal proceeding be instituted on a false charge of an offence punishable with
death, transportation for life, or imprisonment for seven years or upwards, shall be punishable with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend t6 seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
212. Whenever an offence has been committed, whoever harbours or conceals a person whom
he knows or has real son to believe to be the offender, with the intention of screening him from legal
punishment,
shall, if the offence is punishable with death, be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with transportation for. life , or with imprisonment which may
extend to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year, and not to ten
years, shall be punished with imprisonment of the description provided for the offence for a term
which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of imprisonment provided for the offence, or
with fine, or with both.
"Offence" in this section includes any -act committed at any place out of the Union of Burma,
which, if committed in the Union of Burma, would be punishable under any of the following sections,
namely 302, 304, 382, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 402, 435, 436, 449, 450, 457, 458,
459 and 460;
and every such act shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be punishable as if the
accused person had been guilty of it in the Union of Burma.
Exception.-- This provision shall not extend to any case in which the harbour or concealment is by
the husband or wife of the offender.
Illustration
A, knowing that B has committed dacoity, knowingly conceals B in order to screen him from
legal punishment. Here, as B is liable to transportation for life, A is liable to imprisonment of either
description for a term not exceeding three years, and is also liable to fine.
213. Whoever accepts or attempts to obtain; or agrees to accept, any gratification for himself or
any other person, or any restitution of property to himself or any other person, in consideration of his
concealing an offence or of his screening any person from legal punishment for any offence, or of
his not proceeding against any person for the purpose of bringing him to legal punishment.
shall, if the offence is punishable with death, be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with transportation for-~ life, or with imprisonment which may
extend to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with imprisonment not extending to ten years, shall be punished
with imprisonment of the description provided for the offence for a term which may extend to one-
fourth part of the longest term of imprisonment provided for the offence, or with fine, or with both.
214. Whoever gives or causes, or offers or agrees to give or cause, any gratification to any
person, or to restore 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 his not proceeding against any person for the purpose of bringing him to legal
punishment,
shall, if the offence is punishable with death, be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with transportation for life, or with imprisonment which may extend
to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the offence is punishable with imprisonment
extending to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of] the description provided for the
offence for a term which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of imprisonment provided
for the offence, or with fine, or with both.
Exception.-- The provision of sections 213 and 214 do not extend to any case in which the offence
may lawfully be compounded.
215. Whoever takes or agrees or consents to take any gratification under pretence or on account
of helping any person to recover any moveable property of which he shall have been deprived by
any offence punishable under this Code shall, unless he uses all means in his power to cause the
offender to be apprehended and convicted of the offence, be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
216. Whenever any person convicted of or charged with an offence, being in lawful custody for
that offence, escapes from such custody, or whenever a public servant, in the exercise of the lawful
powers of such public servant, orders a certain person to be apprehended for an offence, whoever,
knowing of such escape or order for apprehension, harbours or conceals that person with the
intention of preventing him from being apprehended, shall be punished in the manner following, that
is to say.
if the offence for which the person was in custody or is ordered to be apprehended is punishable
with death, he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
if the offence is punishable with transportation for life, or imprisonment for ten years, he shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, with or
without fine;
and if the offence is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year, and not to ten
years, he shall be punished with imprisonment of the description provided for the offence for a term
which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of the imprisonment provided for such
offence, or with fine, or with both.
"Offence" in this section includes also any act or omission of which a person is alleged to have
been guilty out of the Union of Burma which, if he had been guilty of it in the Union of Burma, would
have been punishable as an offence, and for which he is, under any law relating to extradition [* * ‘or
otherwise, liable to be apprehended or detained in custody in the Union of Burma, and every such
act or omission shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be punishable as if the accused
person had been guilty of it in the Union of Burma.
Exception.-- This provision does not extend to the case in which the harbour or concealment is by
the husband or wife of the person to be apprehended.
216A. Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that any persons are about to commit or
have recently committed robbery or dacoity, harbours them or any of them, with the intention of
facilitating the commission of such robbery or dacoity, or of screening them, or any of them from
punishment, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.-- For the purposes of this section it is immaterial whether the robbery or dacoity is
intended to be committed, or has been committed, within or without the Union of Burma.
Exception.-- This provision does not extend to the case in which the harbour is by the husband or
wife of the offender.
..............................................................
1. Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 19
216B * * * * *
217. Whoever, being a public servant, knowingly disobeys any direction of the law as to the way in
which he is to conduct himself as such public servant, intending thereby to save, or knowing it to be
likely that he will thereby save, any person from legal punishment, or subject him to a less
punishment than that to which he is liable, or with intent to save, or knowing that he is likely thereby
to save, any property from forfeiture or any charge to which it is liable by law, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
218. Whoever, being a public servant, and being as such public servant charged with the
preparation of any record or other writing, frames that record or writing in a manner which he knows
to be incorrect, with intent to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby to save, loss or
injury to the public or to any person, or with intent thereby to save, or knowing it to be likely that he
will thereby save, any person from legal punishment, or with intent to save, or knowing that he is
likely thereby to save, any property from forfeiture or other charge to which it is liable by law, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or
with fine, or with both.
219. Whoever, being a public servant, corruptly or maliciously makes or pronounces, in any stage
of a judicial proceeding, any report, order, verdict or decision which he knows to be contrary to law
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, or with fine, or with both.
................................................................
1. Repealed by Act XX, 1950.
220. Whoever being in any office which gives him legal authority to commit persons for trial or to
confinement , or to keep persons in confinement, corruptly or maliciously commits any person for
trial or confinement, or keeps any person in confinement, keep any person in confinement, in the
exercise of that authority, knowing that is doing he is acting contrary to law, shall be punished with
may extend to with imprisonment of either description for either descriptions for a terms which may
extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
221. Whoever, being a public servant, legally bounds as such public servant to apprehend or to
keep in confinement any person charged with or liable to be apprehended for an offence,
intentionally omits to apprehend such person, or intentionally, aids such person in escaping or
attempting to escape from such confinement, shall be punished as follows, that is to say
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, with or without
fine, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been apprehended, was charge with, or
liable to be apprehended for, an offence punishable with death ; or
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, with or without
fine, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been apprehended, was charged with , or
liable to be apprehended for, an offence punishable with transportation for life or imprisonment for a
term which may extended to ten years ; or
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, with or without
fine, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been apprehended, was charged with , or
liable to be apprehended for, an offence punishable with transportation for life or imprisonment for a
term which may extended to ten years ; or
222. Whoever, being a public servant, legally bounds as such public servant to apprehend or to
keep in confinement any person under sentence of a Court of Justice for any offence or lawfully
committed to custody, intentionally omits [sic] to apprehend such person, or intentionally, suffers
such person to escape, or intentionally aids such person in escaping or attempting to escape from
such confinement, shall be punished as follows, that is to say:--
with transportation for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to fourteen years, with or without fine, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been
apprehended, is under sentence of death; or
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, with or without
fine, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been apprehended, is subject, by a
sentence of a Court of Justice, or by virtue of a commutation of such sentence, to transportation for
life [* * *] or to transportation [* * * ]1 or imprisonment for a term of ten years or upwards ; or
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or
with both, if the person in confinement, or who ought to have been apprehended, is subject, by a
sentence of a Court of Justice, to imprisonment for a term not extending to ten years or if the person
was lawfully committed to custody.
223. Whoever, being a public servant legally bound as such public servant to keep in
confinement any person charged with or convicted of any offence or lawfully committed to custody,
negligently suffers such person to escape from confinement, shall be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
224. Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or legal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of
himself for any offence with which he is charged or of which he has been convicted, or escapes for
attempts to escape from any custody in which he is lawfully detained for any such offence, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
Explanation. -- The punishment in this section is in addition to the punishment for which the.
person to be apprehended or detained in custody was liable for the offence with he was charged, or
of which he was convicted.
225. Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of
any other person for an offence, or rescues or attempts to rescue any other person from, any
custody in which that person is lawfully detained for an offence, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both;
.......................................................
1The words "or penal servitude for life" and "or penal servitude" were omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order,
1948.
or, if the person to be apprehended, or the person rescued or attempted to be rescued, is charged
with or liable to be apprehended for an offence punishable with transportation for life or
imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment or
either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
or, if the person to be apprehended or rescued, or attempted to be rescued, is charged with or
liable to be apprehended for an offence punishable with death, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
or, if the person to be apprehended or rescued, or attempted to be rescued, is liable under the
sentence of a Court of Justice, or by virtue of a commutation of such a sentence, to transportation
for life, or to transportation, [**]1 or imprisonment, for a term often years or upwards, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine;
or, if the person to be apprehended or rescued, or attempted to be rescued, is under sentence of
death, shall be punished with transportation for life or imprisonment of either description for a term
not exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
225A. Whoever, being a public servant legally bound as such public servant to apprehend, or to
keep in confinement; any person in any case not provided for in section 221, section 222 or section
223, or in any other law for the time being in force, omits to apprehend that person or suffers him to
escape from confinement, shall be punished-
(a) if he does so intentionally, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to three years, or with fine, or with both; and
(b) if he does so negligently, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years,
or with fine, or with both.
...........................................................
1. The words "penal servitude' were omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
225B. Whoever, in any case not provided for in section 224 or section 225 or in any other
law for the time being force, intentionally offers any resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful
apprehension of himself or of any other person, or escapes or attempts to escape from any custody
in which he is lawfully detained, or rescues or attempts to rescue any other per-son from any
custody in which that person is lawfully detained, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
226. Whoever, having been lawfully transported, returns from such transportation, the term of such
transportation not having expired and his punishment not having been remitted, shall be punished
with transportation for life, and shall also be liable to fine, and to be imprisoned with rigorous
imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years he before he is transported.
227. Whoever, having accepted any conditional remission of punishment, knowingly violates any
condition on which such remission was granted shall be punished with the punishment to which he
was originally sentenced, if he has already suffered no part of that punishment, and if he has
suffered any part of that punishment, then with so much of that punishment as he has not already
suffered.
- Whoever is convicted of absconding in violation of a condition a remission of punishment under
this section shall, in addition to the punishment prescribed by this section, be punished by the
convicting Magistrate with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year.
228. Whoever intentionally offers any insult, or causes any interruption to any public servant, while
such public servant is sifting in any state of a judicial proceeding, shall be punished with simple
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both:
229. Whoever, by personation or otherwise, shall intentionally cause, or knowingly suffer himself
to be returned empanelled or sworn as a juryman or assessor in any case in which he knows that he
is not entitled by law to be so returned, empanelled or sworn, or, knowing himself to have been so
returned, empanelled or sworn contrary to law, shall voluntarily serve on such jury or as such
assessor shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
two years, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO COIN AND GOVERNMENT STAMPS
230. Coin is metal used for the time being as money, and stamped and issued by the authority of
some State or Sovereign Power in order to be so used.
["Coin of the Union" is metal stamped or issued by the authority of the Government in order to be
as money ; and metal which has been so stamped or issued shall continue to be the coin of the
Union for the purposes of this Chapter, notwithstanding that it may have ceased to be used as
money.] 1
Illustrations
(a) Cowries are not coin.
(b) Lumps of unstamped copper, though used as money, are not coin.
(c) Medals are not coin, inasmuch as they are not intended to be used as money.
231. Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting coin,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.-- A person commits this offence who, intending to practise deception, or knowing it to
be likely that deception will thereby be practised, causes a genuine coin to appear like a different
coin.
............................................................
1. Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
232. Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any. part of the process of counterfeiting the
coin of the Union,1 shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment I of either
description for a term which may extend to ~n years, and shall also be liable to fine.
233. Whoever makes or mends, or performs any part of the process of making or mending, or
buys, sells or disposes of, any die or instrument. for the purpose of being used, or knowing or having
reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for the purpose of counterfeiting coin, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
234. Whoever makes or mends, or performs any pelt of the process of making or mending, or
buys, soils or disposes of, any die or instrument, for the purpose of counterfeiting the corn of the
Union, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years. and shall also be liable to fine.
235. Whoever is in possession of any instrument or material, for the purpose of using the same
for counterfeiting coin, or knowing or having reason to believe that the same is intended to be used
for the purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
and if the coin to be counterfeited is the coin of the Union1, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
................................................................
1. Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws)Order, 1948.
236. Whoever, being within the Union of Burma, abets the counterfeiting of coin out of the Union
of Burma shall be punished in the same manner as if he abetted the counterfeiting of such coin
within the Union of Burma.
237. Whoever imports into the Union of Burma, or exports therefrom, any counterfeit coin, knowing
or having reason ‘to believe that the same is counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
238. Whoever imports into the Union of Burma, or exports, any counterfeit coin which he knows
or has reason to believe to be a counterfeit of the coin of the Union1, shall be punished with
transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a tern which may extend to ten
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
239 Whoever, having any counterfeit coin which at the time when he became possessed of it he
knew to be counterfeit, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, delivers the same to
any person, or attempts to induce any person to receive it, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.]
240. Whoever, having any counterfeit coin which is a Counterfeit of the coin of the Union1, and
which at the time when he became possessed of it he knew to be a counterfeit of the Union1,
fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, delivers the same to any person, or attempts
to induce any person to receive it, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to ten years, and sb4l~e liable to fine.
............................................................
1. Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
241. Whoever delivers to any other person as genuine or attempts to induce any other person to
receive as genuine any counterfeit coin which he knows to be counterfeit, but which he did not know
to be counterfeit at the time when he took it into his possession, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine to an
amount which may extend to ten times the value of that coin counterfeited or with both.
Illustration
A, a coiner, delivers counterfeit rupees to his accomplice B, for flu purpose of uttering them. B
sells the rupees to C, another utterer, who buy them knowing them to be counterfeit C pays away
the rupees for goods to 1), who receives them, not knowing them to be counterfeit. D after receiving
the rupees discovers that they are counterfeit and pays them always as if they were good. Here D is
punishable only under this section, but B and C are punishable under section 239 or 240, as the
case may be.
242. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, is in possession of
counterfeit coin, having known at the time when he became possessed thereof that such coin was
counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
243. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, is in possession of
counterfeit coin which is a counterfeit of the coin of the Union, having known at the time when he
became possessed of it that it was counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
244. Whoever, being employed in any mint lawfully established in the Union of Burma, does any
act, or omits what I he is legally bound to do, with the intention of causing an~ coin issued from that
mint to be of a different weight or composition from the weight or composition fixed by law, shall be
punished with imprisonment or [sic – “of” is presumably intended] either description for a term which
may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
................................................
1. Substituted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
245. Whoever, without lawful authority, takes out of any mint lawfully established in the Union of
Burma any coining tool or instrument, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
246. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly performs on any coin any operation which diminishes the
weight or alters the composition of that coin shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall be liable to fine.
Explanation-- A person who scoops out part of the coin and puts anything else into the cavity
alters the composition of that corn.
247. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly performs on any of the coin of the Union any operation
which diminishes the weight or alters the composition of that coin shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
248. Whoever performs on any coin operation which alters the appearance of that coin, with the
intention that the said coin shall pass as a coin of a different description, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
249. Whoever performs on any of the coin of the Union 1 any operation which alters the
appearance of that coin, with the intention that the said coin shall pass as a coin of different
description, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
250. Whoever, having coin in his possession with respect to which the offence defined section 246
or 248 has committed, and having known at the time when he became possessed of such coin that
such offence had been committed with respect to it, fraudulently or with intent any that fraud may be
committed delivers such coin to any other person, or attempts to induce other person to receive the
same, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five
y and shall be liable to fine.
251. Whoever, having coin in his possession with respect to which the offence defined section 247
or 249 has committed, and having known at the time when he became
Possessed of such coin that such offence had been committed with respect to it, fraudulently or
with intent that fraud may be committed delivers such coin to any other person, or attempts to
induce other person to receive the same, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to ten y and shall be liable to fine.
252. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent that may be committed, is in possession of coin with
respect to the offence defined in either of the section 246 or 248 has committed, having known at
the time of becoming possessed thereof that such offence had been committed with respect to such
co' shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for at which may extend to three years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
253. Whoever fraudulently or with intent that fraud may be committed, is in possession of coin with
respect to win the offence defined in either of the section 247 or 249 has b committed, having known
at the time of becoming possessed thereof such offence had been committed with respect to such
coin, s be punished with imprisonment of either description for a tern wind may extend to five years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
254. Whoever, delivers to any other person as genuine me or as a coin of a different description
from what it is, or attempt to induce any person to receive as genuine or as a different coin from
what it is, any coin in respect of which he knows that any such operation as that mentioned in
section 246,247, when he took I into his possession, know that such operation had been performed
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years,
or with fine to an amount which fine to an amount which may extend to ten times the value of the
coin which the altered coin is passed or attempted to be passed.
Explanation. --A person commits this offence. who counterfeits by causing a genuine stamp of one
denomination to appear like a genuine stamp of a different denomination.
256. Whoever has in his possession any instrument or material for the purpose of being used, or
knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for the purpose of counterfeiting
any stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
257. Whoever makes or performs any part of the process of making, or buys, or sells, or
disposes of, any in instrument for the purpose of being used, or knowing; or having reason to
believe that it is intended to be used, for the purpose of counterfeiting any stamp issued by
Government for the purpose of revenue, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall be liable to fine.
258. Whoever sell; or offers for sale, any stamp which he knows or has reason to believe to be a
counterfeit of any stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine
255. Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting, any
stamp issued by (3ov-eminent for the purpose of revenue shall be punished with transportation for
life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
259. Whoever has in his possession any stamp which he knows to be a counterfeit of any stamp
issued Government for the purpose of revenue, may be used as a genuine stamp, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also
be liable to fine.
260. Whoever uses as genuine any stamp, knowing it to be a counterfeit of any stamp issued
Government for the purpose of revenue, shall be punished with imprisonment of their description for
a term which may extend to seven with fine, or with both.
261. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent to loss to Government, removes or effaces from any
substance, bearing any stamp issued by Government for the purpose revenue any writing or
document for which such stamp which has been used, or removes from any writing or document, in
order that such stamp may be used for a different writing document, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or with both.
262. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent to loss to Government, uses for any purpose a stamp
issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, which he knows to.~ have been used, ~sha1l be
punished with imprisonment of either them description for a term which may extend to two years, or
with fine, or with both.
263. Whoever, fraudulently or with intent to cause loss to Government, erases or removes from a
stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue any mark put or impressed upon such
stamp for the purpose of denoting that, the same has been from which such mark has been erased
or removed, or sells or disposes at any such stamp which be. knows to have been used, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with
fine, or with both.
263A. (1) Whoever--
(a) makes, knowingly utters, deals in or sells any fictitious stamp, or knowingly uses for any postal
purpose any fictitious stamp, or
(b) has in his possession, without lawful excuse, any fictitious stamp, or
(c) makes or without lawful excuse has in his possession any die, plate, instrument or materials
for making any fictitious stamp, shall be punished with fine which may extend to two hundred ru-
pees.
(2) Any such stamp, die, plate, instrument or materials in the possession of any person for making
any fictitious stamp may be seized and shall be forfeited.
(3) In this section "fictitious stamp" means any stamp falsely purporting to be issued by
Government for the purpose of denoting a rate of postage or any facsimile or imitation or
representation, whether on paper or otherwise, of any stamp issued by Government for that
purpose.
(4) In this section and also in sections 255 to 263, both inclusive, the word "Government", when
used in connection with, or in reference to, any stamp issued for the purpose of denoting a rate of
postage, shall, notwithstanding anything in section 17, be deemed to include the person or persons
authorized by law to administer executive government in any part of India or Pakistan, and also in
any part of His Britannic Majesty's do-minions or in any foreign country. (Back)
CHAPTER XIII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
264. Whoever fraudulently uses any instrument for weighing which he knows to be false shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine, or with both.
265. Whoever fraudulently uses any false weight or false measure of length or capacity, or
fraudulently uses any weight or any measure of length or capacity as a different weight or measure
from what it is, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to one year, or with fine, or with both
266. Whoever is in possession, of any instrument for~ weighing, or of any weight, or of any
measure of length or capacity, which he knows to be false, and intending that the same may be
fraudulently used, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may
extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
267. Whoever makes, sells or disposes of any instrument for weighing, or any weight, or of any
measure of length or capacity, which he knows to be false, in order that the same may be used as
true, or knowing that the same is likely to be used as true, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XIV
OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, CONVENIENCE,
DECENCY AND MORALS
268. A person is guilty of a public nuisance who does any act or is guilty of an illegal omission
which causes any common injury, danger or annoyance to the public or to the people in general who
dwell or occupy property in the vicinity, or which must necessarily cause injury, obstruction, danger
or annoyance to persons who have occasion to use any public right.
A common nuisance is not excused on the ground that it causes some convenience or advantage.
269. Whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason
to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with
both.
271. Whoever knowingly disobeys any rule made and promulgated by the Government for putting
any vessel into a state of quarantine, or for regulating the intercourse of vessels in a state of
quarantine with the shore or with other vessels, or for regulating the intercourse between places
where an infectious disease prevails and other place, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six month, or with fine, or with both.
272. Whoever adulterates any article of food or drink so as to make such article noxious as food or
drink, intending to sell such article as food or drink or knowing it to be likely that the same will be
sold as food or drink, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
273. Whoever sales, or offers or exposes for sale, as food or drink, any article which has been
rendered or has become noxious, or is in a state unfit for food or drink, knowing or having reason to
believe that the same is noxious as food or drink, shall be punished with imprisonment either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both..
274. Whoever adulterates any drug or medical preparation in such a manner as to lessen the
efficacy or change the operation of such drug or medical preparation, or to make it noxious,
intending that it shall be sold or used for, or knowing it to be likely that it will be sold or used for, any
medicinal purpose as if it had not undergone such adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to six month or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
275. Whoever, knowing any drug or medical preparation to have been adulterated in such a
manner as to lessen its_ efficacy, to change its operation, or to render it noxious, sells the same, or
offers or exposes it for sale, or issues it from any dispensary for medicinal purposes as
unadulterated, or causes it to be used for medicinal purposes by any person not knowing of the
adulteration, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
276. Whoever knowingly sells, or offers or exposes for sale, or issues from a dispensary for
medicinal purpose, any drug or medical preparation as a different drug or medical preparation shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or
with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
277. Whoever voluntarily corrupts or fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir, so as to
render it less fit for the purpose for which it is ordinarily used, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five
hundred rupees, or with both.
278. Whoever voluntarily vitiates the atmosphere in any place, so as to make it noxious to the
health of persons in general dwelling or carrying on business in the neighbourhood or passing along
a public way, shall be punished with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
279. Whoever drives any vehicle or rides on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as
to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to [two years],1 or with fine
which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
279A. Whoever throws or causes to fall or strike at, against, into or upon any vehicle in public
place, any wood, stone, acid or other mailer or thing, with intent or knowledge that he is likely to
endanger the safety of any person being in or upon such vehicle, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may
extend to five hundred r~1pees, or with both.
Explanation. 1.-- For the purpose of this section, "vehicle" means a wheeled conveyance capable
of being used on a street.
Explanation. 2 -- It is not an offence punishable under this section to throw water at any vehicle in
a public place during the Thingyan Festival.
Explanation. 3. -- Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to prevent any person from
being prosecuted under any other section of this Code or under any other law for any act or
omission.
280. Whoever navigates any vessel in manner so rash Or negligent as to endanger human life,
or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
281. Whoever exhibits any false light, mark or buoy, intending or knowing it to likely that such
exhibition will mislead any navigator, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
282. Whoever knowingly or negligently conveys or causes to be conveyed for hire any person by
water in any vessel, when that vessel is in such a state or so loaded as to endanger the life of that
person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
283. Whoever, by doing any act or by omitting to take to order with any property in his
possession-or under his causes danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any way or public line
of navigation shall be punished with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.
284. Whoever does with any poisonous substance any act in a manner so rash or negligent as to
endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any person.
or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any poisonous substance1' in his
possession as is sufficient to guard against probable danger to human life from such poisonous
substance,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for term which may extend to six months,
or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
285. Whoever does with fire or any combustible matter any act so rashly or negligently as to
endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person,
or knowingly~, or negligently omits to take such order with any fire or any combustible matter in'
his possession is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such fire or
combustible matter,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description [for at term which may extend to three
years, and shall also be liable to fine.]*
286. Whoever does with any explosive substance any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger
human life, or. t6~ be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person,
or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any explosive substance in his
possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from that substance,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to [three
years, and shall also be liable to fine.]1
287. Whoever does with any machinery any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human
life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person,
or knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any machinery in his possession or under
his care as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life from such machinery,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
288. Whoever in pulling down or repairing any building knowingly or negligently omits to take
such order with that building as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life
from the fall of that building, or of any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
289. Whoever knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any animal in his
possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life, or any probable
danger of grievous hurt from such animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or
with both.
290. Whoever commits a public nuisance in any case not otherwise punishable by this Code
shall be punished with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees.
291. Whoever repeats or continues a public nuisance, having been enjoined by any public
servant who has lawful authority to issue such injunction not to repeat or continue such nuisance,
shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine,
or with both.
292. Whoever
(a) sell, lets to hire, distributes, publicly exhibits or in any manner puts into circulation, or for
purpose of sale, hire, distribution, pub-lie exhibition or circulation, makes, produces or has in his
possession any obscene book, pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation or figure or any
other obscene object whatsoever, or
(b) imports, exports or conveys any obscene object for any of the purposes aforesaid, or knowing
or having reason to believe that such object will be sold, let to hire, distributed or publicly exhibited
or in any manner put into circulation, or
(c) takes part in or receives profits from any business in the course of which he knows or has
reason to believe that any such obscene objects are, for any of the purposes aforesaid, made,
produced, purchased, kept, imported, exported, conveyed~ publicly exhibited or in any manner put
into circulation or
(d) advertises or makes known by any means whatsoever that any' person is engaged or is ready
to engage. in any act which is an offence under this section or that any such obscene object can be
procured from or through any person,. or
(e) offers or attempts to do any act which is an offence under this section, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with
both.
Exception. - This section does not extend to any book, pamphlet, writing, drawing or painting kept
or used bona fide for religious purposes or any representation sculpture engrave painted or
otherwise represented on or in any temple, or on any car used for the conveyance of idols, or kept
or used for any religious purpose.
293. Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, exhibits or circulates to any person under the age of
twenty years any such obscene object as is referred to in the last preceding section, or offers or
attempts so to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
294. Whoever, to the annoyance of others, --
(a) does any obscene act in any public place, or
(b) sings, recites or utters any obscene songs, ballad or words in or near any public place.
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three
months, or with fine, or with both.
294A. Whoever keeps any office or place for the purpose of drawing any lottery [or promoting or
conducting any lottery]1 not authorized by Government shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
[Whoever]2 punishes any proposal to pay any sum, or to deliver any goods or to do or forbear
doing anything for the benefit of any person on any event of contingency relative or applicable to the
drawing of any ticket, lot, number or figure in any such lottery [or to the conduct of any such lottery]1,
shall be punished with fins which may extend to one thousand rupees.
[Whoever distributes or offers or advertises for distribution any tickets or chances in any lottery
otherwise than by way of sale, upon receipt of the full sale price thereof, as stated on the ticket, shall
be punished with fine which may ‘extend to one thousand kyats.]1
CHAPTER XV
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO RELIGION
295. Whoever destroys, damages or defiles any of worship, or any object held sacred by
any class or person with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any of person or with the
knowledge that any class of likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as insult to
their religion, shall be punished with either description for a term which may extend to two years or
with fine, or with both
295A. Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any
class of [persons dent in the Union]1 by words, either spoken or written, or by visible
representations, insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
296. Whoever voluntarily causes disturbance to assembly lawfully engaged in the performance of
the religious worship or religious ceremonies shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may to one year, or with fine, or with both
297. Whoever, with the intention of wounding the feelings of any person or of insulting the religion
of any person, or with the knowledge that the feelings of any person are likely to be wounded, or that
the religion of any person is likely to be insulted thereby, commits any trespass in any place of
worship. or any place of sepulture, or any place set a part for the performance of funeral rites or as
depository for the remains of the dead, or offers any indignity to any human corpse, or causes
disturbance to any persons assembled for the performance of funeral ceremonies, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term Which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with
both.
298. Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters
any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that
person or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished~ with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may be extend to one year, or with fine or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XVI
OF OFFENCE AFFECTING THE HUMAN BODY
299. (1) Whoever causes death by doing an Act with the intention of causing such bodily injury as
is likely to cause death commits the offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
(2) Whoever causes death by doing an Act with the intention of causing death, or with the
intention of causing such bodily injury as in fact is sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause
death, commits the offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in any of the following
cases:-
(A) If he, whilst deprived of the power of self -control by grave and sudden provocation, causes
the death of the person who gave the provocation, or causes the death of any other person by
mistake or accident:
Provided- -
First.-- That the provocation is not sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse for
killing or doing harm to any person;
Secondly-- That the provocation is not given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a
public servant in the lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant; and
Thirdly. That the provocation is not given by anything done in the lawful exercise of the right of
private defence.
Explanation.-- Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to deprive the offender of
the power of self - control is question of fact.
(B) If he, in the exercise in good faith of the right of private defence of person or property,
exceeds the power given. to him by law and causes the death of the person against whom he is
exercising such right of defence without premeditation and without any intention of doing more harm
than is necessary for the purpose of such defence.
(C) If he, being a public servant or aiding a public servant for the advancement of public justice,
exceeds the powers given to him by law, and causes death by doing an act which he, in good faith,
believes to be lawful and necessary for the due discharge of the duty of such public servant and
without ill - will towards the person whose death is caused.
(D) If he, acts without premeditation in a sudden fight the heat of passion upon a sudden quarrel
and without having taken undue advantage or acted in a cruel or unusual manner.
Explanation.-- It is immaterial in such cases which party offers the provocation or commits the first
assault.
(E) If he, causes the death of a person who is above the age of eighteen years and who suffers
death or takes the risk of death with his own consent.
1300. Whoever, in the absence of any circumstance which makes the act one of culpable homicide
not amounting to murder, causes death by doing an act with the intention of causing death, or with
the intention of causing bodily injury as in fact is sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause
death, commits the offence of murder.
1300A. In sections 299 and 300--.
(a) a person who causes bodily injury to another who is labouring under a disorder, disease or
bodily infirmity, and thereby accelerates the death of that other, shall be deemed to have caused his
death;
.................................................................
1Substituted by Act XXVII, 1960
(b) where death is caused by bodily injury, the offender's knowledge of the weakness or infirmity of
the person on whom the bodily injury is inflicted is a relevant factor in proving the nature of his inten-
tion;
(c) the offender's knowledge an act is so imminently dangerous that it must in all probability
cause death, or such bodily injury as is likely to cal4se deaths, is a relevant factor in proving the
nature of his intention;
(a) where death is caused by bodily injury, the person who causes such bodily injury shall be
deemed to have caused the death although by resorting to proper remedies and skilful treatment the
death might have been prevented;
(e) the causing of the death of a child in the mother's womb is not homicide.
But it may amount to culpable homicide to cause the death of a living child if any cart of that child
has been brought forth, thought the child may not have breathed or been completely born.
1301. If a person, by doing anything which he intends or knows to be likely to cause death,
commits an offence by causing the death of any person whose death he neither intends nor knows
himself to be likely to cause, the offence committed by the offender is of the description of which it
would have been if he had caused the death of the person whose death he intended or knew himself
to be likely to cause.
Explanation.-- In this section the word "offence" means an offence described in section 299 or
section 300 or section 304A.
1302.(1) Whoever commits murder --
(a) being under sentence of transportation for life or
(b) with premeditation, or
(c) in the course of committing any offence punishable under this Code with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to seven years, shall be punished with death, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever commits murder in any other case shall be punished with transportation for life, or
with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
..............................................................
1 Substituted by Act XXVII, 1960
Explanation.-- Whether an act is premeditated is a question of fact.
303.* * *
1304. Whoever commits Culpable homicide not amounting to murder shall be punished
with transportation for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten
years and shall also be liable to fine.
2304A Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not
punishable as culpable homicide or murder shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which ~nay extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine: provided
that, if such act is done with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death, the term of imprisonment
may extend to ten years.
305. If any person under eighteen years of age, any insane person, any delirious person,
any idiot, or any person ma state of intoxication commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of
such suicide shall be punished with death or transportation for life, or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
306. If any person commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of such suicide shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
307. Whoever does any act with such intention [***] 3 and under such circumstances that,
if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of murder, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine: and, if
hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender shall be liable either to transportation for life,
or to such punishment as is here in before mentioned.
When any person offending under this section is under sentence of transportation for life he
may, if hurt is caused , be punished with death.
.......................................................................
1. Substituted by Act XXVII, 1960
2. Substituted by Act LII, 1948. .
3. The words "or knowledge" were omitted by Act XXXIII 1947
Illustrations
(a) A should at Z with intention to kill him, under such circumstances that, if death ensued, A
would be guilty of murder. A is liable to punishment under this section.
(b) A with the intention of causing the death of a child of tender years exposes it in a desert place.
A has committed the offence defined by this section, though the death of the child does not ensue.
(c) A. intending to murder Z, buys gun and loads it. A has not yet committed the offence. A fires
the gun at Z. He has committed the offence defined in this section, and if by such firing he wounds Z
he is liable to the punishment provided by the latter part of first paragraph of this section.
(d) A, intending to murder Z by poison, purchases poison and mixes the same with food which
remains in A's keeping: has not yet committed the offence in this section. A places the food on Zs
table or delivers it to Z's servants to place it on Z's table. A has committed the offence defined in this
section.
308. Whoever does any act with such intention (* * *) 1 and under such circumstances that, if he by
that act caused death, he would be guilty of culpable homicide or amounting to murder, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with
fine or with both; and, if hurt is caused to any person by such act, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to~ seven years, or with fine, or with
both.
Illustrations
A, on grave and sudden provocation fires a pistol at Z, under such circumstance that if he thereby
caused death he would be guilty of capable homicide not amounting to murder. A has committed the
offence defined in this section.
309. Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such
offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
one year, or with fine, or with both.
310. Whoever shall have been habitually associated with any other or others for the purpose
committing robbery or child - stealing by means of or accompanied with murder is a thug.
311. Whoever is a thug shall be punished with transportation for life, and shall also be liable to
fine.
Of the causing of Miscarriage, of Injuries to unborn Children,
of the Exposure of infants, and of the Concealment of Births.
312. Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry shall, if such miscarriage
be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with
both; and, if the woman be' quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.-- A woman who causes herself to miscarry is within the meaning of this section.
2312A. Whoever intentionally does sterilization by surgery to a woman shall , unless such
sterilization is certified by the Board appointed by the Government in this to be necessary for
reasons of physical or mental health, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
three years, and shall also be liable to fine: Provided that in cases where immediate action must be
taken in order to save the life of the woman no such certificate is necessary.
2312B. Whoever intentionally does sterilization by surgery to a man shall , unless such
sterilization is certified by the Board appointed by the Government in this behalf to be necessary for
reasons of physical or mental health, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
..............................................................
1. The words "or knowledge" were omitted by Act XXX III, 1947
2. Inserted by R.C. Law VII, 1963.
2312C. Whoever voluntarily allows oneself to be sterilized by surgery, unless such sterilization is
certified by the Board appointed by Government on this behalf to be necessary for reasons of
physical or mental health, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years, an~ shall also be liable to fine.
2312D. Whoever intentionally does sterilization by surgery to any person thereby causing the
death of such person shall, unless such sterilization is certified by the Board appointed by
Government in this behalf to be necessary for reasons of physical or mental health, be punished
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
313. Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section without the consent of
the woman, whether the woman is quick with child or not, shall be punished with transportation for
life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend-to seven years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
314. Whoever, with intent to cause the miscarriage of a woman with child, does any act which
causes the death of such woman shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine
and if the act is done without the consent of the woman, shall be punished either with
transportation for life, or with the punishment above mentioned.
Explanation.-- It is not essential to this offence that the offender should know that the act is likely
to cause death.
.............................................................
1. Inserted by R.C. Law VII, 1963
315. Whoever, before the birth of any child, act with the intention of thereby preventing that child
from born alive or causing it to die after its birth, and does by prevent that child from being born
alive, or causes it to die birth, shall, if such act be not caused in good faith for the of saving the life of
the mother, be punished with either description for a term which may extend to ten years, shall be
liable to fine.
1316. Whoever without lawful excuse does any knowing that he is likely to cause death to a
pregnant woman, does by such act cause the death of a quick unborn child, be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall be liable to
fine.
317. Whoever being the father or mother of a child under the age of twelve years, or having the
care of such child, shall expose or leave such child in any place with the intention wholly abandoning
such child shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years and shall be liable to fine.
Explanation.-- This section is not intended to prevent th4 trial of the offender for murder or
culpable homicide, as the case may be, if the child die in consequence of the exposure.
318. Whoever, by secretly burying or otherwise disposing of the dead body of a child, whether
such child die before or after or during its birth, intentionally conceals or endeavours to conceal the
birth of such child shall be punished with imprisonment)f either description for a term which may
extend to two years, an ;hall be liable to line.
Of Hurt
319. Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.
320. ‘the following kinds of hurt only are designated as "grievous"
First.-- Emasculation.
Secondly-- Permanent privation of the sight of either eye.
Thirdly.-- Permanent privation of the hearing of either ear.
Fourthly-- Privation of any member or joint.
Fifthly -- Destruction or permanent impairing of the powers of any member or joint.
Sixthly-- Permanent disfiguration of the head or face.
Seventhly. -- Fracture or dislocation of a bone or tooth.
Eighthly. -- Any hurt which endangers life or which causes the sufferer to be during the space of
twenty days in severe I bodily pain, or unable to follow his ordinary pursuits.
321. Whoever does any act with the intention of thereby causing hurt to any person, or with the
knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person, and does thereby cause hurt to any
person, is said "voluntarily to cause hurt"
322. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt, if the hurt which he intends to cause or knows 4iimself to be'
likely' to cause is grievous hurt, and if the hurt which he causes is grievous hurt, is said "voluntarily
to cause grievous hurt."
Explanation.-- A person is not said voluntarily to cause grievous hurt except when he both causes
grievous hurt and in-tends or know himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt. But he is said
voluntarily to cause grievous hurt if intending or know-1mg himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt
of one kind he actually causes grievous hurt of another kind.
..........................................................
1. Substituted by Act XXXIII. 1947
Illustrations
A , intending or knowing himself to be likely permanently to disfigure Z's face, gives a blow which
does not permanently disfigure Z's face, bit. which causes Z ~o suffer serve bodily pain for the
space of twenty days, A -has vol~itari1y caused grievous hurt.
323. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine, which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both
324. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt by means of
any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of
offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or shall be punished
with imprisonment of either ‘description for a term which may extend to three year, or with fine,
which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
325. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
326. Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt by
means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a
weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, by moans
of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance, or by means of
any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or receive into the
blood, or by an animals, animals, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to ten years, and shall also lx liable to fine.
327. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt for the purpose of extorting I7rom the sufferer, or from any
person interested in the sufferer, any property or valuable security, or of constraining the sufferer or
any person interested in such sufferer to do anything which is illegal or which may facilitate the
commission of an offence. shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
328. Whoever administers to or causes to be taken by any person any poison or any stupefying,
intoxicating or unwholesome drug, or other thing with intent to cause hurt to such person, or with
intent to commit or to facilitate the commission of an offence or knowing it to be likely that he will
thereby cause hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
329. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or
from any person interested in the sufferer any property or valuable security, or of constraining the
sufferer or any person interested in such sufferer to do anything that is illegal or which may facilitate
the commission of an offence, shall be punished with transportation for life, or imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
330. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt for the purpose of extorting from the sufferer, or any person
interested in the sufferer, any confession or an information which may lead to the detection of any
offence or misconduct, or for the purpose of constraining the sufferer or any person interested in the
sufferer to restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security, or to satisfy any
claim or demand, or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any property or valuable
security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years, and shall also liable to fine.
(a) A , police-officer tortures Z in order to induce Z to confess he committed a crime A is guilty of
an offence under this section.
(b) A police-officer tortures B to induce him to point out certain stolen property is deposited, A is
guilty of an offence under section.
(c) A , a revenue officer tortures Z in order to compel him to pay certain arrears of revenue due
from Z. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
(d) A , a landlord, tortures a tenant in order to compel him to pay his rent. A is guilty of an offence
under this section.
331. Whoever, voluntarily causes grievous hurt for purl pose of extorting from the sufferer, or any
person interested in the -~ sufferer, any confession or any information which may lead to the
detection of an offence or misconduct or for the purpose of constraining the sufferer or any person
interested in the sufferer to; restore or to cause the restoration of any property or valuable security,
or to satisfy any claim of demand, or to give information which may lead to the restoration of any
property or valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
332. Whoever, voluntarily causes hurt to any person being a public servant in the discharge of his
duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or order that person or any other public servant
from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted
to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servants, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with
fine, or with both.
333. Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt to any person being a public servant in the
discharge of his duty as such public servant3 or with intent to prevent or deter that person or any
other public servant from discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything
done or attempted to be done by that person in the lawful discharge of his duty a~ such public
servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
334. Whoever voluntarily causes hurt on grave and sudden provocation, if he neither intends nor
knows himself to be likely to cause hurt to any person other than the person who gave the
provocation, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which extend to
one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
335.- Whoever voluntarily causes grievous hurt on grave and sudden Provocation, if he neither
intends nor knows himself to be likely to cause grievous hurt to any person other than the person
who gave the provocation, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend four years, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.
Explanation-- The last two section are subject to the same provisos as (Exception 1, section 300)1
2 336. Whoever does any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal
safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
2 337. Whoever Causes hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to
endanger human life or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees, or with both.
2338. Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to
endanger human life or the personal safety of others shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Of Wrongful Restraint and Wrongful Confinement
339. Whoever voluntarily obstructs any person, so as to prevent that person from proceeding in
any direction in which that person has a right to proceed, is said wrongfully to restrain that person.
Exception-The obstruction of a private way over land or water, which a person in good faith
believes himself to have a lawful right to obstruct, is not an offence within the meaning of this
section.
Illustration
A obstructs a path along which Z has a right to pass, A not believing -in good faith that he has a
right to stop the path. Z is thereby prevented from passing. 4 wrongfully restrains Z.
340. Whoever wrongfully restrains any person in such a manner as to prevent that person from
proceeding beyond certain circumscribing limits is said "wrongfully to confine" that person.
Explanation
(a) A causes Z to go within a walled space, and locks Z in. Z is thus prevented from proceeding in
any direction beyond the circumscribing line of wall. A wrongfully confines Z.
(b) A places man with firearms at the outlets of a building, and tells Z that they will fire at Z if Z
attempts to leave the building . A wrongfully confines Z.
341. Whoever wrongfully restrains any person shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a
term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with
both.
........................................................................
1 .Now clause (A), sub-section (2), sections 299.
2. Amended by Act LII, 1948.
342. Whoever wrongfully confines any person shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees, or with both.
343. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for three days or more shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
344. Whoever wrongfully confines any person for ten days or more shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for at term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
345. Whoever keeps any person in wrongful confinement knowing that a writ for liberation of that
person has been duly issued, shell be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extent to two years in addition to any term of imprisonment to which he may be liable
under any other section of this chapter.
346. Whoever wrongfully confines any person in such manner as to indicate an intention that the
confinement of such person may not be known to any person interested in the person so confined,
or to any public servant, or that the place of such confinement may not be known to or discovered by
any such person or public servant as hereinbefore mentioned, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to two years in addition to any other punishment to
which he may be liable for such wrongful confinement.
347. Whoever' wrongfully~ confines any person for the purpose of extorting from the person
confined, or from any person interested in the person confined, any property or valuable security, or
of constraining the person confined or any person interested in such person to do anything illegal or
to give any information which may facilitate the commission of an offence, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description. for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
348. Whoever, wrongfully confines any person for purpose of extorting from the person
confined, or any interested in person confined, any confession or any information which may lead to
the detection of an offence or misconduct, or for the purpose of constraining the person confined or
any person interested in the person confined to restore or to cause the restoration of~ any property
or valuable security , or to satisfy any claim or demand, or to give information which may lead to the
restoration of any property or valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Of Criminal Force and Assault
349. A person is said use force another if he cause motion, change of motion or cessation of
motion to that other, or if he causes to any substance such motion, or change of motion, or
cessation of motion as brings that substance into contact with any part of that other's body, or with
anything which that other is wearing or carrying, or with anything situated that such contact affects
that other's sense of felling, Provided that the person causing the month in, or change of motion, or
cessation of motion in one of the three ways herein after described.
First. -- By his own bodily power.
Secondly.— By disposing any substance in such a manner that the motion or change or cessation
of motion takes place without further act on his part, or on the part of any other person.
Thirdly.-- By inducing any animal to move, to change is motion, or to cease to move.
350. Whoever intentionally uses force to any person, without that person consent, in order to
the committing of any offence, of intending by the use of such force to cause, or knowing it to be
likely that by the use of such force he will cause injury, fear or annoyance to the person to whom
force is used, is said to use criminal force to that other.
Illustrations
(a) moorings, and thus intentionally causes the boat to drift down the stream. Here A intentionally
causes motion to Z, and he does this by disposing substances in such a manner that the motion is
produced without any other action on any person's part. A has therefore intentionally used force to
Z; and it he has done so without Z's consent, in order to the committing of any offence or intending
or knowing it to be likely that this use of force will cause injury, fear or annoyance to Z, A has used
criminal force to Z.
(b) Z is riding in a chariot. A lashes Z's horses and thereby causes them to quicken their pace.
Here A has caused change of motion to Z to by inducing the animals to change their motion. A has
therefore used force to Z; and if A' has done this without Z's consent, intending or knowing it to be
likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy Z, has used criminal force to Z.
(c) Z is riding in a palanquin. A intending to rob Z seizes the pole and stops the palanquin. Here
A has caused cessation of motion to Z, and he has done this by his own bodily power. A has
therefore used force to Z; and as A has acted thus intentionally, without Z's consent, in order to the
commission of an offence, A has used criminal force to Z
(d) A intentionally pushes against Z in the street. Here A has by his own bodily power moved his
own person so as to bring it into contact with Z He has therefore intentionally used force to Z; and if
he has done so without Z's consent, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure,
frighten or annoy Z, he has used criminal force to Z.
(e) A throws a stone, intending or knowing it to be likely that the stone will be thus brought into
contact with Z, or with Z's clothes, or with something carried by Z, or that it will strike water and dash
up the water against Z's clothes or something carried by Z. Here if the throwing of the stone produce
the effect of causing any substance to come into contact with Z, or Z's clothes, A has used force to
Z; and if he did so without Z's consent, intending thereby to injure, frighten, or annoy Z, he has used
criminal force to Z.
(f) A intentionally pulls up a woman's veil. Here A intentionally uses force to her, and if he does so
without her consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby injure, frighten or annoy
her, he has used criminal force to her.
(g) to be boiling. Here A intentionally by his own bodily power causes such motion in the boiling
water as brings that water into contact with Z, or with other water so situated that such contact must
affect Z's sense of feeling. A has therefore intentionally used force to Z; and if he has done this
without Z's consent intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury, fear or
annoyance to Z, A has used criminal force.
(h) A incites a dog to spring upon Z, without Z's consent. Here if A intends to cause injury, fear or
annoyance to Z, he used criminal force to Z.
351. Whoever makes any gesture or any preparation, intending or knowing it to be likely that
such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that he who makes that
gesture or preparation is about to use criminal force to that person, is said to commit an assault.
Explanation. - Mere words do not amount to an assault. But the words which a person uses may
give to his gestures or preparations such a meaning as may make those gestures or preparations
amount to an assault.
Illustrations
(a) A shake his fist at Z, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe
that A is about to strike Z. A has committed an assault.
(b) A begins to unloose the muzzle of a ferocious dog, intending or knowing it to be likely that he
may thereby cause Z to believe that he is about to cause the dog to attack Z. A has committed an
assault upon Z.
(c) A takes up a stick saying to Z, "I will give you a beating Here though the words used by A
could in no case amount to an assault, and though the mere gesture, unaccompanied by any other
circumstances, might not amount to an assault, the gesture explained by the words may amount to
an assault,
352. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person otherwise than on grave and
sudden provocation given by that person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees,
or with both.
Explanation. - Grave and sudden provocation will not mitigate the punishment for an offence
under this section, if the provocation is sought or voluntarily provoked by the offender as an excuse
for the offence, or
if the provocation is given by anything done in obedience to the law, or by a public servant in the
lawful exercise of the powers of such public servant, or
if the provocation is given by anything done in the~, lawful exercise of the right of private defence.
Whether the provocation was grave and sudden enough to mitigate the offence is a question of
fact.
353. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person being a public servant in the
execution of his duty as such public servant, or with intent to prevent or deter that person from
discharging his duty as such public servant, or in consequence of anything done or attempted to be
done by such person in the lawful discharge of his duty as such public servant, shall be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
354. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing
it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
355. Whoever assaults of uses criminal force to any person, intending thereby to dishonour
that person, otherwise than on grave and sudden provocation given by that person, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
356. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person in attempting to commit theft of
any property which that person is then wearing or carrying shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
357. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person in attempting wrongfully to
confine that person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
358. Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person on grave and sudden
provocation given by that person shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may
extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.
Explanation -- The last section is subject to the same explanation as section 352.
Of Kidnapping, Abduction, Slavery and Forced labour
359. Kidnapping is of two kinds kidnapping from the Union of Burma, and kidnapping from
lawful guardianship.
360. Whoever conveys any person beyond the limits of the Union of Burma without the
consent of that person, or of some person legally authorized to consent on behalf of that person, is
said to kidnap that person from the Union of Burma.
361. Whoever takes or entices any minor under fourteen years of age if a male, or under
sixteen years of age if a female, or any person of unsound mind, out of the keeping of the lawful
guardian of such minor or person of unsound mind without the consent of such guardian, is said to
kidnap such minor or person from lawful guardianship.
Explanation.-- The words "lawful guardian" in this section include any person lawfully entrusted
with the care or custody of such minor or other person.
Exception.-- This section does not extend to the act of any person who in good faith believes
himself to be the father of an illegitimate child, or who in good faith believes himself to be entitled to
the lawful custody of such child, unless such act is committed for an immoral or unlawful purpose.
362. Whoever by force compels, or by any deceitful means induces, any person to go from any
place is said to abduct that person.
363. Whoever kidnaps any person from the Union of Burma or from lawful guardianship shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
364. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such person may be murdered, or
may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being murdered, shall be punished with
transportation for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
Illustrations
(a) A kidnaps Z from the Union of Burma, intending or knowing it to be likely that Z may be
sacrificed to an idol. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A forcibly carries or entices B away from his home in order that B may be murdered. A has
committed the offence defined in this section.
365. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person with intent to cause that person to be secretly and
wrongfully confined shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
366. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any woman with intent that she may be compelled, or knowing it
to be likely that she will be compelled, to marry any person against her w111~ or in order that she may
be forced or seduced to illicit intercourse, or knowing it to be likely that she will be forced or seduced
to illicit intercourse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and whoever, by means of criminal intimidation
as defined in this Code or of abuse of authority or any other~ method of compulsion, induces any
woman to go from any place with intent that she may be, or knowing that it is likely that she will be,
forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall also be punishable as aforesaid.
366A. whoever, by any means whatsoever, induces any minor girl under the age of eighteen years
to go from any place or to do any act with intent that such girl may be, or knowing that it is likely that
she will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person shall be punishable with
imprisonment which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
366B. Whoever imports into the Union of Burma from any country outside the Union of Burma, any
girl under the age of twenty-one years with intent that she may be, or knowing it to be likely that she
will be, forced or seduced to illicit intercourse with another person, [* * *]1 [whether by himself or by
another person,] shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
367. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such person may be subjected, or
may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being subjected, to grievous hurt or slavery, or to
the unnatural lust of any person, or knowing it to be likely that such person will be so subjected or
disposed of, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to ten years, and shall also be liable to tine.
368. Whoever, knowing that any person has been kidnapped or has been abducted,
wrongfully conceals or confines such person shall be punished in the same manner as if he had
kidnapped or abducted such person with the same intention or knowledge, or for the same purpose
as that with or for which he conceals or detains such person in confinement.
369. Whoever kidnaps or abducts any child under the age often years, with the intention of taking
dishonestly any moveable property from the person of such child, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
370. Whoever imports, exports, removes, buys, sells or disposes of any person as a salve, or
accepts, receives or detains against his will any person as a salve, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
371. Whoever habitually imports, exports, removes, buys, sells, traffics or deals in slaves shall be
punished will transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term not
exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
372. Whoever sells, lets to hire, or otherwise disposes of any person under the age of eighteen
years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of
prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing
it to be likely that such person will at any age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
...................................................................
1 Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order. 1948.
2 The words ~r brackets should also have been omitted.
Explanation 1.-- When a female under the age of eighteen years .., sold, let for hire or otherwise
disposed of to a prostitute or to any person who keeps or manages a brothel the person so
disposing of such female shall, until the contrary is proved, be presumed to have disposed of her
with the intent that she shall be used for the purpose of prostitution.
Explanation 2.-- For the purposes of this section "illicit intercourse" means sexual intercourse
between person not united by marriage or by any union or tie which, though not amounting to a
marriage, is recognized by the personal law or custom of the community to which they belong or,
where they belong to different communities, of both such communities, as constituting between
them a quasi-marital relation.
373. Whoever buys, hires or otherwise obtains possession of any person under the age of
eighteen years with intent that such person shall at any age be employed or used for the purpose of
prostitution or illicit intercourse with any person or for any unlawful and immoral purpose, or knowing
it to be likely that such person will at any ~age be employed or used for any such purpose, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall
also be liable to fine.
Explanation 1. - Any prostitute or any person keeping or managing a brothel who buys, hires or
otherwise obtains possession of a female under the age of eighteen years shall, until the contrary is
proved, be presumed to have obtained possession of such female with the intent that she shall be
used for the purpose of prostitution.
Explanation 2.-- "Illicit intercourse" has the same meaning as in section 372.
374. Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person shall
punished with imprisonment, of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with
fine, or with both.
Of Rape
375. A man is said to commit "rape" who, except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual
intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the five following descriptions
First.-- Against her will.
Secondly.-- Without her consent.
Thirdly-- With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death or
of hurt.
Fourthly. -- With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband, and that her
consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to
be lawfully married.
Fifthly. -- —With or without her consent, when she is under fourteen years.
Explanation.-- Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual intercourse necessary to the
offence of rape.
Exception.-- Sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under thirteen
years of age, is not rape.
376. Whoever commits rape shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine, unless
the woman raped is his own wife and is not under twelve years of age, in which case he shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
Of Unnatural Offences
377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman
or animal shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. (Back)
CHAPTER XVII
OF OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY
Of Theft
378. Whoever, intending to take dishonestly any moveable property out of the possession of any
person without that person's consent, moves that property in order to such taking is said to commit
theft.
Explanation 1.-- A thing so long as it is attached to the earth, not being moveable property, is not
the subject of theft; but it becomes capable of being the subject of theft as soon as it is severed from
the earth.
Explanation 2.-- A moving effected by the same act which effects the severance may be a theft.
Explanation 3 .-- A person is said to cause a thing to move by removing an obstacle which
prevented it from moving, or by separating it from any other thing, as well as by actually moving it.
Explanation 4.-- A person who by any means causes an animal to move is said to move that
animal, and to move everything which, in consequence of the motion so caused, is moved by that
animal.
Explanation 5.-- The consent mentioned in the definition may be express or implied, and may be
given either by the person in possession, or by any person having for that purpose authority either
express or implied.
Explanation.-- Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence
described in this section.
Illustrations
(a) A cuts down a tree on Z's ground, with the intention of dishonestly taking the tree out of Z's
possession without Z's consent. Here, as soon as A has severed the tree in order to such taking he
has committed theft.
(b) A puts a bait for dogs in his pocket, and thus induces Z's dog to follow him. Here, if A's
intention be dishonestly to take the dog out of Z's possession without Z's consent, A has committed
theft as soon as Z's dog has begun to follow A.
(c) A meets a bullock carrying a box of treasure. He drives the bullock in a certain direction' in
order that he may dishonestly take the treasure. As soon as the bullock begins to move, A has
committed theft of the treasure.
(d) A being Z's servant, and entrusted by Z with the care of Z's plate, dishonestly runs away with
the plate, without Z's consent. A has committed theft.
(e) Z, going on a journey, entrusts his plate to A, the keeper of a warehouse, till Z shall return. A
carries the plate to a goldsmith and sells it. Here the plate was not in Z's possession. It could not
therefore be taken out of Z's possession, and A has not committed, theft, though he may have
committed criminal breach of trust.
(f) A finds a ring belonging to Z on a table in the house which Z occupies. Here the ring is in Z's
possession, and if A dishonestly removes it, A commits theft.
(g) A finds a ring lying on the high-road, not in the possession of any person. A by taking it,
commits no theft, though he may commit criminal misappropriation or property.
(h) A sees a ring belonging to 2 lying on a table in Z's house. Not venturing to misappropriate the
ring immediately for fear of search and detection, A hides the ring in a place where it is highly
improbable that will ever be found by 2, with the intention of taking the ring from the hiding place and
selling it when the loss is forgotten. Here A, at the time of first moving the ring, commits theft.
(i) A delivers his watch to Z, a jeweller, to be regulated. A carries it to his shop. A not owing to
the jeweller any debt for which the jeweller might lawfully detain the watch as a security, enters the
shop openly, takes his watch by force out of Z's hand, and carries it away. Here A, though he may
have committed criminal trespass and assault, has not committed theft, in as much as what he did
was not done dishonestly.
(j) If A owes money to 2 for repairing the watch, and if 2 retain the watch lawfully as security for
the debt, and A takes the watch out of Z's possession,
with the intention of depriving 2 of the property as a security for his debt, he commits theft, in as
much as he takes it dishonestly
(k) Again, if A , having pawned his watch to 2, takes it out of Z's possession without Z's consent,
not having paid what he borrowed on the watch, he commits theft, though the watch is his own
property, m as much as he takes it dishonestly
(l) A takes an article belonging to 2 out of Z's possession without Z's consent, with the intention of
keeping it until he obtains money from 2 as a reward for its restoration. Here A takes dishonestly A
has therefore committed theft.
(m) A, being on friendly terms with Z, goes into Z, library in Z's absence, and takes away a book
without Z's express consent for the purpose merely of reading it, and with the intention of returning
it. Here, it is probable that A may have conceived that he had Z's implied consent to use Z's book. If
this was A's impression, A has not committed theft.
(n) A asks charity from Z's wife. She gives A money food and clothes, which A knows to belong
to 2, her husband. Here it is probable that A may conceive that Z ‘s wife is authorized to give away
alms. If this was A's impression, A has not committed theft.
(o) A is the paramour of Z's wife. She gives A valuable property, which A knows to belong to her
husband Z, and to be such property as she has not authority from Z to give. If A takes the property
dishonestly, he commits theft.
(p) A, in good faith, believing property belonging to Z to be A's own property, takes that property
out of B's possession. Here, as A does not take dishonestly, he does not commit theft.
379. Whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
380. Whoever commits theft in any building, tent or vessel, which building, tent or vessel is used
as a human dwelling, or used for the custody of property, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
381. Whoever, being a clerk or servant, or being employed in the capacity of a clerk or servant,
commits theft in respect of any property in the possession of his master or employer shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
382. Whoever commits theft, having made. ,reparation for causing death, or hurt, or restraint, or
fear of death, or of hurt, or of restraint, to any person in order to the committing of such theft, or in
order to the effecting of his escape after the committing of such theft, or in order to the retaining of
property taken by such theft, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Illustrations
(a) A commits theft of property in Z's possession: and, while committing this theft he has a loaded
pistol under his garment having provided this pistol for the purpose of hurting Z in case Z should
resist. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A picks Z's pocket, having posted several of his companions near him in order that they may
restrain 2 if 2 should perceive what is passing and should resists or should attempt to apprehend A.
A has committed the offence defined in this section.
Of Extortion
383. Whoever intentionally puts any person in fear of any injury to that person, or to any other,
and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person any property or
valuable security or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security,
commits "extortion."
Illustrations
(a) A threatens to publish a defamatory libel concerning Z unless Z gives him money. He thus
induces Z to give him money. A has committed extortion.
(b) A threatens 2 that he will keep Z's child in wrongful confinement, unless 2 will sign and deliver
to A a promissory note binding 2 to pay certain money to A. Z signs and delivers the note. A has
committed extortion.
(c) A threatens to send club-men to plough up Z's field unless 2 will sign and deliver to B a bond
binding 2 under a penalty to deliver certain produce to B, and thereby induces 2 to sign and deliver
the bond. A has committed extortion.
(d) A, by putting 2 in fear of grievous hurt, dishonestly induces 2 to sign or affix his seal to a blank
paper and deliver it to A. 2 signs and delivers the paper to A. Here, as the paper so signed may be
converted into a valuable security, A has committed extortion.
384. Whoever commits extortion shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
385. Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, put any person in fear, or attempts to put
any person in fear, of any injury shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
386. Whoever commits extortion by putting any person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to that
person or to any other shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to ten years. and shall also be liable to fine.
387. Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, puts or attempts to put any person in fear
of death or of grievous hurt to that person or to any other shall be punished wit1~ imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
388. Whoever commits extortion by putting any person in fear of an accusation against that
person or any other of having committed or attempted to commit any offence punishable with death,
or with transportation for life, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, or of
having attempted to induce any other person to commit such offence, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable
to tine; and, if the offence be one punishable under section 377, may be punished with
transportation for live.
389. Whoever, in order to the committing of extortion, puts or attempts to put any person in fear
of an accusation, against that person or any other, of having committed, or attempted to commit, any
offence punishable with death or with transportation for life, or with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and, if the offence be punishable under
section 377, may be punished with transportation for life.
Of Robbery
390. In all robbery there is either theft of extortion.
Theft is "robbery' if, in order to the committing of the theft, or in committing the theft, or in carrying
away or attempting to carry away property obtained by the theft, the offender, for that end,
voluntarily causes or attempts to cause to any person death or hurt or wrongful restraint, or fear of
instant death or of instant hurt or of instant wrongful restraint.
Extortion is "robbery" if the offender, at that time of committing the extortion, is in the presence of
the person put in fear, and commits the extortion by putting that person in fear of instant death, of
instant hurt or of instant wrongful restraint to that person or to some other person, and, by so putting
in fear, induces the person so put in fear then and there to deliver up the thing extorted.
Explanation - The offender is said to be present if he is sufficiently near to put the other person in
fear of instant death, of instant hurt, or of instant wrongfully restraint.
Illustrations
(a) A holds Z down, and fraudulently takes Z's money and jewels from Z's clothes, without Z's
consent. Here A has committed theft, and, in order to the committing of that theft, has voluntarily
caused wrongful restraint to Z. A has therefore committed robbery.
(b) A meets 2 on the high road, shows a pistol, and demands Z's purse. 2 in consequence,
surrenders his purse. Here A has extorted the purse from 2 by putting him in fear of instant hurt, and
being at the time of committing the extortion in his presence. A has therefore committed robbery
(c) A meets 2 and Z's child on the high-road. A takes the child, and threatens to fling it down a
precipice unless 2 delivers his purse. 2, in consequence, delivers his purse. Here A has extorted the
purse from by causing Z to be in fear of instant hurt to the child who is there present. A has
therefore committed robbery on Z.
(d) A obtains property from 2 by saying - "Your child is in the hands of my gang and will be put to
death unless you send us ten thousand rupees." This is extortion, and punishable as such; but it is
not robbery unless Z is put in fear of the instant death of his child.
391. When five or more persons conjointly commit or attempt to commit a robbery, or where the
whole number of persons conjointly committing or attempting to commit a robbery and persons
present and aiding such commission or attempt amount to five or more, every person so committing,
attempting or aiding is said to commit "dacoity."
392. Whoever commits robbery shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; and, if the robbery be committed on the
highway between sunset and sunrise, the imprisonment may be extended to fourteen years.
393. Whoever attempts to commit robbery shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
394. If any person, in committing or in attempting to commit robbery, voluntarily causes hurt,
such person, and any other person jointly concerned in committing or attempting to commit such
robbery, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
395. Whoever commits dacoity shall be punished' with transportation for life, or with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
396. If any one of five or more person, who are conjointly committing dacoity, commits murder in
so committing dacoity, every one of those persons shall be punished with death, or transportation for
life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to
fine.
397. If, at the time of committing robbery or dacoity, the offender * * * * causes grievous hurt to any
person, or attempts to causes death or grievous hurt to any person, the imprisonment with which
such offender shall be punished shall not be less than seven years.
398. * * * *
399. Whoever makes any preparation for committing dacoity shall be punished with rigorous
imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
400, Whoever shall belong to a gang of persons associated for the purpose of habitually
committing dacoity shall be punished with transportation for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a
term which may extend to ten years, and• shall also be liable to fine.
401. Whoever shall belong to any wandering or other gang of persons associated for the purpose
of habitually committing theft or robbery, and not being a gang of thugs or dacoits, shall be punished
with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to
fine.
402. Whoever shall be one of five or n4ore persons assembled for the purpose of committing
dacoity shall~ be punished ‘with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
Of Criminal Misappropriation of Property
403. Whoever dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use any moveable property
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years,
or with fine, or with both.
Illustration
(a) A takes property belonging to 2 out of Z's possession in good faith, believing, at the time when
he takes it, that the property belongs to himself. A is not guilty of theft; but if A, after discovering his
mistake, dishonestly appropriates the property to his own use, he is guilty of an offence under this
section.
(b) A, being on friendly terms with 2, goes into Z's library in Z's absence, and takes away a book
without Z's express consent. Here, if A was under the impression that he had Z's implied consent to
take the book for the purpose of reading it, A has not committed theft. But, if A afterwards sells the
book for his own benefit, he is guilty of an offence under this section.
(c) A and B being joint owners of a horse, A takes the horse out of B's possession, intending to
use it. Here, as A has a right to use the horse, he does not ‘dishonestly misappropriate it. But, if A
‘sells the horse and appropriate the whole proceeds to his own use, he is guilty of an offence under
this section.
Explanation 1.- A dishonest misappropriation for a time only is a misappropriation within the
meaning of this section.
Illustration
A finds a Government promissory note belonging to 2, bearing a blank endorsement. A, knowing
that the note belongs to Z, pledges it with a banker as a security for a loan, intending at a future time
to restore it to 2. A has committed an offence under this section.
Explanation 2.- A person who finds property not in the possession of any other person, and takes
such property for the purpose or protecting it for, or of restoring it to, the owner, does not take or
misappropriate it dishonestly, and is not guilty of an offence: but he is guilty of the offence above
defined if he appropriates it to his own use when he knows or has the means of discovering the
owner, or before he has used reasonably means to discover and give notice to the owner and has
kept the property a reasonable time to enable the owner to claim it.
What are reasonable means of what is a reasonable time in such a case is a question of fact.
It is not necessary that the finder should know who is the owner of the property or that any
particular person is the owner of it: it is sufficient if, at the time of appropriating if, he does not
believe it to be his own property, or in good faith believes that the real owner cannot be found.
(a) A finds a rupee on the high-road, not knowing to whom the rupee belongs. A picks up the
rupee. Here A has not committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A finds a letter on the road, containing a bank note. From the direction and contents of the
letter he learns to whom the note belongs. He appropriates the note. Ho is guilty of an offence under
this section.
(c) A finds a cheque payable to bearer. He can form no conjecture as to the person! who has lost
the cheque. But the name of the person who has drawn the cheque appears. A knows that this
person can direct him to the person in whose favour the cheque was drawn. A appropriates the
cheque without attempting to discover the owner. He is guilty of an offence under this section.
(d) A sees Z drop his purse with money in it. A picks up the purse with the intention of restoring it
to 2, but afterwards appropriates it to his own use. A has committed an offence under this section.
(e) A finds a purse with money not knowing to whom it belongs; he afterwards discovers that it
belongs to Z and appropriates it to his own use. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
(f) A finds a valuable ring, not knowing to whom it belongs. A sells it immediately without
attempting to discover the owner. A is guilty of an offence under this section.
404. Whoever dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use property, knowing that such
property was in the possession of a deceased person at the time of that persons decease, and has
not since been in the possession of any person legally entitled to such possession, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and
shall also be liable to fine; and if the offender at the time of such person's decease was employed by
him as a clerk or servant, the imprisonment may extend to seven years.
Illustration
Z dies in possession of furniture and money. His servant A, before the money comes into the
possession of any person entitled to such possession, dishonestly misappropriates it. A has
committed the offence defined in this section.
Of Criminal Breach of Trust
405. Whoever, being in any manner entrusted with property, or with any dominion over property,
dishonestly misappropriates or converts to his own use that property, or dishonestly uses or
disposes of that property in violation of any direction of law prescribing the mode in which such trust
is to be discharged, or of any legal contract, express or implied, which he has made touching the
discharge of such trust, or willfully suffers any other person so to do, commits "criminal breach of
trust."
Illustration
(a) A, being executor to the will of a deceased person, dishonestly disobeys the law which directs
him to divide the effects according to the will, and appropriates them to his own use A has
committed criminal breach of trust.
(b) A is a warehouse-keeper. 2, going on a journey, entrusts his furniture to A, under a contract
that it shall be returned on payment of a stipulated sum for warehouse-room, A dishonestly sells the
goods. A has committed criminal breach of trust.
(c) A, residing in Rangoon, is agent for 4 residing at Mandalay There is an express or implied
contract between A and 2 that all sums remitted by 2 to A shall be invested by A according to Z's
direction. 2 remits a lakh of rupees to A, with directions to A to invest the same in Government
paper. A dishonestly disobeys the directions and employs the money in his own business. A has
committed criminal breach of trust.
(d) But if A, in the last illustration, not dishonestly but in good faith, believing that it will be more
for Z's advantage to hold shares in a joint stock bank, disobeys Z's directions, and buys shares in a
joint stock bank for 2, instead of buying Government paper, here, though 2 should suffer loss, and
should be entitled to bring a civil action against A on account of that loss, yet A, not having acted
dishonestly, has not committed criminal breach of trust.
(e) A, a revenue-officer, is entrusted with public money and is either directed by law, or bound by
a contract, express or implied, with the Government, to pay into a certain treasury all the public
money which he holds. A dishonestly appropriate the money. A has committed criminal breach of
trust.
A, a carrier, is entrusted by 2 with property to be carried by land or by water. A dishonestly
misappropriates the property. A has committed criminal breach of trust.
406. Whoever commits criminal breach of trust shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
407. Whoever, being entrusted with property as a carrier, wharfinger or warehouse-keeper,
commits criminal breach of trust in respect of such property shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
408. Whoever, being a clerk or servant or employed as a clerk or servant, and being in any
manner entrusted in such capacity with property, or with any dominion over property; commits
criminal breach of trust in respect of that property shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
409. Whoever, being in any manner entrusted with property, or with any dominion over property,
in his capacity of a public servant or in the way of his business as a banker, ~ me~cl1ant, factor,
broken, attorney or agent, commits criminal breach of trust in respect of that property shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Of the Receiving of Stolen Property
410. Property, the possession whereof has been transferred by theft, or by extortion, or by
robbery, and property which has been criminally misappropriated or in respect of which criminal
breach of trust has been committed, is designated as "stolen property," whether the transfer has
been made, or the misappropriation or breach of trust has been committed, within or without the
Union of Burma. But, if such property subsequently comes into the possession of a person legally
entitled to be possession thereof, it then ceases to be stolen property.
411. Whoever dishonestly receives or retains any stolen property, knowing or having reason to
believe the same to be stolen property, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to three years or, with fine, or with both.
412. Whoever dishonestly receives or retains any stolen property, the possession whereof he
knows or has reason to believe to have been transferred by the commission of dacoity, or
dishonestly receives from a person, whom he knows or has reason to believe to belong or to have
belonged to a gang of dacoits, property which he knows or has reason to believe to have been
stolen, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which
may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
413. Whoever habitually receives or deals in property which he knows or has reason to believe
to be stolen property shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to ten pars, and shall also be liable to fine.
414. Whoever voluntarily assists in concealing or disposing of or making away with property
which he knows or has reason to believe to be stolen property shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Of Cheating
415. Whoever, by deceiving any person, fraudulently or dishonestly induces the person so
deceived to deliver any property to any person, or to consent that any person shall retain any
property, or intentionally induces the person so deceived to do or omit to do anything which he
would not do or omit if he were not so deceived, and which act or omission causes or is likely to
causes damage or harm to that person in body, mind, reputation or property, is said to "cheat."
Explanation. - A dishonest concealment of facts is a deception within the meaning of this section.
Illustration
(a) A, by falsely pretending to be in the Civil Service, intentionally deceives Z, and thus dishonestly
induces Z to let him have on credit goods for which he does not mean to pay A cheats.
(b) A, by putting a counterfeit mark on a article, intentionally deceives Z into a belief that this
article was made by a certain celebrated manufacturer, and thus dishonestly induces Z to buy and
pay for the article. A cheats.
(c) A, by exhibiting to Z a false sample of an article, intentionally deceives Z into believing that
the article corresponds with the sample, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to buy and pay for the
article. A cheats.
(d) A, by tendering in payment for an article a bill on a house with which A keep. no money, and
by which A expects that the bill will be dishonoured, intentionally deceives Z and thereby dishonestly
induces Z to deliver the article, intending not to pay for it. A cheats.
(e) A, by pledging as diamonds articles which he knows are not diamonds, intentionally deceives
Z and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lend money. A cheats.
(f) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A mean to repay any money that Z may lend to him
and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lead him money A not intending to repay it. A cheats.
(g) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A means to deliver to Z a certain quantity of indigo
plant which he does not intend to deliver, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to advance money
upon the faith of such delivery. A cheats; but if A, at the time of obtaining the money, intends to
deliver he indigo plant, and afterwards breaks his contract and does not deliver it, he does not cheat,
but is liable only to a civil action for breach of contract.
(h) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A has performed A's part of a contract made with Z
which he has not performed, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to pay money. A cheats.
(i) A sells and conveys an estate to B. A, knowing that in consequence of such sale he has no
right to the property, sells or mortgages the same to Z without disclosing the fact of the previous sale
and conveyance to B, and receives the purchase or mortgage money from Z.
416. A person is said to "cheat by personation" if he cheats by pretending to be some other
person, or by knowingly substituting one person for another, or representing that he or any other
person is a person other than he or such other person really is.
Explanation. - The offence is committed whether the individual personated is a real or imaginary
person.
Illustration
(a) A cheats by pretending to be a certain rich banker of the same name. A cheats by
personation.
(b) 4 cheats by pretending to be B, a person who is deceased. A cheats by personation.
417. Whoever cheats shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
418. Whoever cheats with the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause wrongful loss to a
person whose interest in the transaction to which the cheating relates he was bound either by law or
by legal contract to protect, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
419. Whoever cheats by personation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
420. Whoever cheats and thereby dishonestly induces the person deceived to deliver any
property to any person, or to make, alter or destroy the whole or any part of a valuable security, or
anything which is signed or sealed and which is capable of being converted into a valuable security,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a tern which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Of Fraudulent Deeds and Dispositions of Property
421. Whoever dishonestly or fraudulently removes, conceals or delivers to any person, or
transfers or causes to be transferred to any person, without adequate consideration, any property,
intending thereby to prevent, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby preventy [sic. “prevent” is
presumably intended] , the distribution of that property according to law among his creditors or the
creditors of any, other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
422. Whoever dishonestly or fraudulently prevents any debt or demand due to himself or to any
other person from being made available according to law for payment of his debts or the debts of
such other person shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
423. Whoever dishonestly or fraudulently signs, executes or becomes a party to any deed or
instrument which purports to transfer or subject to any charge any property, or any. interest therein,
and which contains any false statement relating to the consideration for such transfer or charge, or
relating to the person or persons for whose use or benefit it is really intended to operate, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
424. Whoever dishonestly or fraudulently conceals or removes any property of himself or any
other person, or dishonestly or fraudulently assists in the concealment or removal thereof, or
dishonestly releases any demand or claim to which he is entitled, ~hall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
Of Mischief
425. Whoever, with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or
damage to the public or to any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change
in any property pr in the situation there of as destroys or diminishes in value or utility, or affects it
injuriously, commits "mischief"
Explanation 1.- It is not essential to the offence of mischief that the offender should intend to
cause loss or damage to the owner of the property injured or destroyed. It is sufficient if he intends
to cause, or knows that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to any person by injuring any
property, whether it belongs to that person or not.
Explanation 2.- Mischief may be committed by an act affecting property belonging to the person
who commits the act, or to that person and others jointly.
Illustration
(a) A voluntarily burns a valuable security belonging to Z intending to cause wrongful loss to Z. A
has committed mischief.
(b) A introduces water in to an ice-house belonging to Z and thus causes the ice to melt intending
wrongful loss to Z. A has committed mischief.
(c) A voluntarily throws into a river a ring belonging to Z of thereby causing wrongful loss to Z. A
has committed mischief.
(d) A, knowing that his effects are about to be taken in execution in order to satisfy a debt due
from him to Z, destroys those effects, with the intention of thereby preventing Z from obtaining
satisfaction of the debt, and of thus causing damage to Z. A has committed mischief.
(e) A, having insured a ship, voluntarily causes the same to be cast away with the intention of
causing damage to the underwriters. A has committed mischief.
(f) A causes a ship to be cast away, intending thereby to cause damage to Z who has lent money
on bottomry on the ship. A has committed mischief.
(g) A, having joint property with Z in a horse, shoot the horse, intending thereby to cause
wrongful loss to Z. A has committed mischief.
(h) A causes cattle to enter upon a field belonging to Z~ intending to cause and knowing that he is
likely to cause damage to Z's crop. A has committed mischief.
426. Whoever commits mischief shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
427. Whoever commits mischief, and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of fifty
rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
428. Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal or
animals of the value of ten rupees or upwards shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
429. Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any
elephant, camel, horse, mule, buffalo, bull, cow or ox, whatever may be the value thereof, or any
other animal of the value of fifty rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.
430. Whoever commits mischief by doing any act which causes, or which he knows to be likely to
cause, a diminution of the supply of water for agricultural purposes, or for food or drink for human
beings or for animals which are property, or for cleanliness or for carrying on any manufacture, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or
with fine, or with both.
431. Whoever commits mischief by doing any act which renders, or which he knows to be likely
to render, any public road, bridge, navigable river or navigable channel, natural or artificial,
impassable or less safe for travelling or conveying property shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both.
432. Whoever commits mischief by doing any act which causes, or which he knows to be likely to
cause, an inundation or an obstruction to any public drainage, attended with injury or damage, shall
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or
with fine, or with both.
433. Whoever commits mischief by destroying or moving any light-house or other light used as a
sea-mark, or any sea-mark or buoy or other thing placed as a guide for navigators, or by any act
which renders any such light-house, remark, buoy or other such thing as aforesaid less useful as a
guide for navigators, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
434. Whoever commits mischief by destroying or moving any land-mark fixed by the authority of
a public servant, or by any act which renders such land-mark less useful as such; shal1 be punished
with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with
both.
435. Whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance, intending to cause, or
knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, damage to any property to the amount of one
hundred rupees or upwards, or (where the property is agricultural produce) ten rupees or upwards,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
436. Whoever commits mischief by fire or any explosive substance, intending to cause, or
knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, the destruction of any building which is ordinarily
used as a place of worship or as a human dwelling or as a place for the custody of property, shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine
437. Whoever commits mischief to any decked vessel or any vessel of a burden of twenty tons or
upwards, intending to destroy or render unsafe, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby destroy
or render unsafe, that vessel, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
438. Whoever commits, or attempts to commit, by fire or any explosive substance such mischief
as is described in the last preceding section shall be punished with transportation for life, or with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable
to fine.
439. Whoever intentionally runs any vessel aground or ashore, intending to commit theft of any
property contained therein or to dishonestly misappropriate any such property, or with intent that
such theft or misappropriation of property may be committed, shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
440. Whoever commits mischief, having made preparation for causing to any person death, or
hurt, or wrongful restraint, or fear of death, or of hurt, or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable
to fine.
Of Criminal Trespass
441. Whoever enters into or upon property in the possession of another with intent to commit an
offence or to intimidate, insult or annoy any person in possession of such property,
or, having lawfully entered into or upon such property, unlawfully remains there with intent thereby
to intimidate, insult or annoy any such person, or with intent to commit an
-offence,
is said to commit "criminal trespass."
442. Whoever commits criminal trespass by entering into or remaining in any building, tent or
vessel used as a human dwelling, or any building used as a place for worship or as a place for the
custody of property, is said to commit "house-trespass."
Explanation. - The introduction of any part of the criminal trespasser's body is entering sufficient
to constitute house-trespass.
443. Whoever commits house-trespass, having taken precautions to conceal such house-
trespass from some person who has a right to exclude or eject the trespasser from the building, tent
or vessel which is the subject of the trespass, is said to commit "lurking house-trespass."
444. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass after sunset and before sunrise is said to commit
"lurking house-trespass by night."
445. A person is said to commit "house-breaking" who commits house-trespass if he effects his
entrance into the house or any part of it in any of the six ways hereinafter described; or if, being in
the house or any part of it for the purpose of committing an offence or, having committed an offence
therein, he quits the house or any part of it in any of such six ways, that is to say:
First. - If he enters or quits through a passage made
by himself, or by any abettor of the house-trespass, in order to the committing of the house-
trespass.
Secondly - If he enters or quits through any passage not intended by any person, other than
himself or an abettor of the offence, for human entrance,; or through any passage to which he has
obtained access by scaling or climbing over any wall or building.
Thirdly- If he enters or quits through any passage which he or any abettor of the house-trespass
has opened in order to the committing of the house-trespass by any means by which that-passage
was not intended by the occupier of the house to be opened.
Fourthly.- If he enters or quits by opening any lock in order to the committing of the house-
trespass, or in order to the quitting of the house after a house-trespass.
Fifthly - If he effects his entrance or departure by using criminal force or committing an assault, or
by threatening any person with assault.
Sixthly.- If he enters or quits by any passage which he knows to have been fastened against such
entrance or departure, and to have been unfastened by himself or by an abettor of the house-
trespass.
Explanation. - Any out-house or building occupied with a house, and between which and such
house there is an immediate internal communication, is part of the house within the meaning of this
section.
Illustrations
(a) A commits house-trespass by making a hole through the wall of Z's house, and putting his
hand through the aperture. This is house-breaking.
(b) A commits house-trespass by creeping into a ship at a port-hole between decks. This is
house-breaking.
(c) A commits house-trespass by entering Z's house through a window. This is house-breaking.
(d) A commits house-trespass by entering Z's house through the door, having opened a door
which was fastened. This is house-breaking
(e) A commits house-trespass by entering Z's house through the door, having lifted a latch by
putting a wire through a hole in the door.
This is house-breaking.
(f) A finds the key of Z's house door, which Z had lost, and commits house-trespass by entering
Z's house, having opened the door with that key. This is house-breaking.
(g) Z is standing in his doorway. A forces a passage by knocking Z down, and commits house-
trespass by entering the house. This is house-breaking.
(h) Z, the door-keeper of 1~ is standing in Y's doorway. A commits house-trespass by entering the
house, having deterred Z from opposing him by threatening to beat him. This is house-breaking.
446. Whoever commit house-breaking after sunset and before sunrise is said to commit "house-
breaking by night."
447. Whoever commits criminal trespass shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five
hundred rupees, or with both.
448. Whoever commits house-trespass shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or
with both.
449. Whoever commits house-trespass in order to the committing of any offence punishable with
death shall be punished with transportation for life, or with rigorous imprisonment for a term not
exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
450. Whoever commits house-trespass in order to the committing of any offence punishable with
transportation for life shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not
exceeding ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
451. Whoever commits house-trespass in order to the committing of any offence punishable with
imprisonment shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to two years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the offence intended to be committed is theft the
term of the imprisonment may be extended to seven years
452. Whoever commits house-trespass, having made preparation for causing hurt to any person,
or for assaulting any person, or for wrongfully restraining any person, or for putting any person in
fear of hurt or of assault or of wrongful restraint, hail be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
453. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass or house-breaking shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable
to fine.
454.. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass or house-breaking in order to the committing of
any offence punishable with imprisonment shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the Offence
intended to be committed is theft the term of the imprisonment may be extended to ten years.
455. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass or house-breaking having made preparation for
causing hurt to any person, or for assaulting any person, or for wrongfully restraining any person, or
for putting any person in fear of hurt or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
456. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass by night or house-breaking by night shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
457. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass by night or house-breaking by night in order to the
committing of any offence punishable with imprisonment shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if
the offence intended to be committed is theft the term of the imprisonment may be extended to
fourteen years.
458. Whoever commits lurking house-trespass by night or house-breaking by night, having made
preparation for causing hurt to any person, or for assaulting any person, or for wrongfully restraining
any person, or for putting any person in fear of hurt or of assault or of wrongful restraint, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to fourteen years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
459. Whoever, whilst committing lurking house-trespass or house-breaking causes grievous hurt
to any person or attempts to cause death or grievous hurt to any person shall be punished with
transportation for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
460. If, at the time of the committing of lurking house-trespass by night or house-breaking by
night, any person guilty of such offence shall voluntarily cause or attempt to cause death or grievous
hurt to any person, every person jointly concerned in committing such lurking house-trespass by
night or house-breaking by night shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
461. Whoever dishonestly, or with intent to commit mischief, breaks open or unfastens any
closed receptacle, which contains or which he believes to contain property, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with
both.
462. Whoever, being entrusted with any closed receptacle which contains, or which he believes
to contain, property, without having authority to open the same, dishonestly, or with intent to commit
mischief, breaks open or unfastens that receptacle shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XVIII
OF OFFENCES RELATING TO DOCUMENTS AND TO TRADE OR PROPERTY MARKS
463. Whoever makes any false document or part of a document, with intent to cause
damage or injury to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any
person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit
fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.
464. A person is said to make a false document --
First.-- Who dishonestly or fraudulently makes, signs, seals or executes a document or part
of a document, or makes any mark denoting the execution or a document, with the intention of
causing it to be believed that such document or part of a document was made, signed, sealed or
executed by or by the authority of a person by whom or by whose authority he
knows that it was not made, signed, sealed or executed, or at a time at which he knows that it was
not made, signed, sealed or executed; or
Secondly. -- Who, without lawful authority, dishonestly or fraudulently, by cancellation or
otherwise alters a document in any material part thereof, after it has been made of executed either
by himself or by any other person, whether such person be living or dead at the time of such
alteration; or
Thirdly.-- Who dishonestly or fraudulently causes any person to sign, seal, execute or alter a
document, knowing that such person by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication cannot, or
that by reason of deception practised upon him he does not, know the contents of the document or
the nature of the alteration.
Illustrations
(a) A has a letter of credit upon B for rupees 10,000written by Z. A, in order to defraud B,
adds a cipher to the 10,000, and makes the sum 100,000 intending that it may be believed by B that
Z so wrote the letter. A has committed forgery.
(b) A, without is authority affixes is seal to a document purporting to be a conveyance of an
estate from Z to A, with the intention of selling the estate to B and thereby of obtaining from B the
purchase-money. A has committed forgery
(c) A picks up a cheque on a banker signed by B, payable to bearer, but without any sum
having been inserted in the cheque. A fraudulently fills up the cheque by inserting the sum of ten
thousand rupees. A commits forgery.
(d) A leaves with B, his agent, a cheque on a banker, signed by A, without inserting the sum
payable, and authorizes B to fill up the cheque by inserting a sum not exceeding ten thousand
rupees for the purpose of making certain payments. B fraudulently fills up the cheque by inserting
the sum of twenty thousand rupees. B commits forgery.
(e) A draws a bill of exchange on himself in the name of B without B's authority, intending to
discount it as a genuine bill with a banker and intending to take up the bill on its maturity Here, as A
draws the bill with intent to deceive the banker by leading him to suppose that he had the security of
B, and thereby to discount the bill, A is guilty of forgery.
(f) Z's will contains these words-- "I direct that all my remaining property be equally divided
between A, B and C. "A dishonestly scratches out B's name, intending that it may be believed that
the whole was left to himself and C. A has committed forgery.
(g) A endorses a Government promissory note and makes it payable to Z or his order by
writing on the bill the words ‘pay to Z or his order" and signing the endorsement. B dishonestly
erases the words "pay to Z or Iris order", and thereby converts the special endorsement into a blank
endorsement. B commits forgery.
(h) A sells and convey an estate to Z. A afterwards, in order to defraud Z of iris estate
executes a conveyance of the same estate to B, dated six months earlier than the date of the
conveyance to 7, intending it to be believed that he had conveyed the estate to B before he
conveyed it to 7. A has committed forgery.
(i) 7 dictates his will to A. A intentionally writes down a different legatee from the legatee
named by 7, and by representing to 7 that he has prepared the will according to his instructions,
induces 7 to sign the will. A has committed forgery.
(j) A writes a letter and signs it with B's name without B's authority, certifying that A is a man of
good character and in distressed circumstances from, unforeseen misfortune intending by means of
such letter to obtain aims from 7 and other persons. Here, as A made a false document in order to
induce 7 to part with property, A has committed forgery.
(k) A without B's authority writes a letter and signs it in B's name certifying to A's character
intending thereby to obtain employment under Z. A has committed forgery inasmuch as he intended
to deceive Z by the forged certificate,-and thereby to induce 7 to enter into an express or implied
contract for service.
Explanation 1.-- A man's signature of his own may amount to forgery.
Illustrations
(a) A signs illustrations his own name to a bill of exchange, intending that ii may be
believed that the bill was dawn by another person of the same name A has committed forgery
(b) A writes the word "accepted" on a piece of paper and signs it with Z's name in order
that B may after wards write on the paper a bill of exchange drawn by B upon 7, and negotiate the
bill as though it had been accepted by 7. A is guilty of forgery ; and if B, knowing the fact, draws the
bill upon the paper pursuant to A's intention, B is also guilty of forgery
(c) A picks up a bill of exchange payable to the order of a different person of the same
name. A endorses the bill in his own name, intending to cause it to be believed that it was endorsed
by the person to whose order it was payable ; here A has committed forgery.
(d) A purchases an estate sold under execution of a decree against B.~-B, after the seizure
of the estate, in collusion with 7, executes a lease ~f the estate to 7, at a nominal rent and for a long
period, and dates the lease six months prior to the seizure,' with intent to defraud A, and to cause it
to be believed that the lease was granted before the seizure. B, though he executes the lease in his
own name, commits forgery by antedating it.
(e) A, a trader, in anticipation of insolvency, lodges effects with B for A's benefit and with
intent to defraud his creditors ; and in order to give a colour to the transaction, writes a promissory
note binding himself to pay to B a sum for value received, and antedates the note, intending that it
may be believed to have been made before A was on the point of insolvency. A has committed
forgery under the first head of the definition.
Explanation 2.-- The making of a false document in the name of a fictitious person, intending it
to be believed that the document was made by a real person, or in the name of a deceased person,
intending it to be believed that the document was made by the person in his lifetime, may amount to
forgery.
Illustration
A draws a bill of exchange upon a fictitious person, and fraudulently accepts the bill in the
name of such fictitious person with intent to negotiate it. A commits forgery
465. Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for
a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
466. Whoever forges a document, purporting to be a record or proceeding of or in a Court of
Justice, or a register of birth, baptism, marriage or burial, or a register kept by a public servant as
such, or a certificate or document purporting to be made by a public servant in his official capacity,
or an authority to institute or defend a suit, or to take any proceedings therein, or to confess
judgment, or a power-of-attorney, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
467. Whoever forges a document which purports to be a valuable security, or a will, or an
authority to adopt a son, or which purports to give authority to any person to make or transfer any
valuable security, or to receive the principle, interest or dividends thereon, or to receive or deliver
any money, moveable property, or valuable security, or any document purporting to be an
acquittance or receipt acknowledging the payment of money, or an acquittance or receipt for the
delivery of any moveable property or valuable security, shall be punished with transportation for life,
or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also
be liable to fine.
468. Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document forged shall be used for the
purpose of cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
469. Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document forged shall harm the reputation
of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
470. A false document made wholly or in part by forgery is designated "a forged document."
471. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly use as genuine any document which he knows or
has reason to believe to be a forged document shall be punished in the same manner as if he had
forged such document.
472. Whoever makes or counterfeits any seals, plate or other instrument for making an
impression, intending that the same shall be Used for the purpose of committing any forgery which
would be punishable under section 467, or with such intent has in his possession any such seal,
plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punishable with
transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
473. Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an
impression, intending that the same shall be used for purpose of committing any forgery which
would be punishable under any section of this chapter other than section 467, or with such intent
has in his possessions any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit,,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
474. Whoever has in his possession any document, knowing the same to be forged, and
intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document
is one of the description mentioned in section 466, be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the
document is one of the description mentioned in section 467, shall be punished with transportation
for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
475. Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark for
the purpose of authenticating any document described in section 467, intending that such device or
mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity or any document then
forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who with such intent has in his possession any
material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
476. Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark
used for the purpose of authenticating any document other than the documents described in section
467, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of
authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who with
such intent has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or
mark has been counterfeited, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
477. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the
public or to any person, cancels, destroys or defaces, or attempts to cancel, destroy of deface, or
secretes or attempts to secrete any document which is or purports to be a will, or an authority to
adopt a son, or any valuable security, or commits mischief in respect to such document, shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
477A. Whoever, being a clerk, officer or servant, or employed or acting in the capacity of a
clerk, officer or servant, wilfully and with intent to defraud, destroys, alters, mutilates or falsifies any
book, paper, writing, valuable security or account which belongs to or is in the possession of his em-
ployer, or has been received by him for or on behalf of his employer, or in, or omits or alters or abets
the omission or alteration of any material particular from or in, any such book, paper, writing,
valuable security or account, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation. - It shall be sufficient in any charge under this section to allege a general intent
to defraud, without naming any particular person intended to be defrauded or specifying any
particular sum of money intended to be the subject of the fraud, or any particular day on which the
offence was committed.
Of Trade, Property and Other Marks
478. A mark used for denoting that goods are the manufacture or merchandise of a
particular person is called a trademark [ * * *]1
479. A mark used for denoting that moveable property belongs to a particular person is called a
property mark.
480. Whoever marks any goods or any case, package or other receptacle containing goods, or
uses any case, package or other receptacle with any mark thereon, in a manner reasonably
calculated to cause it to be believed that the goods so marked, or any goods contained in any such
receptacle so marked, are -the manufacture or merchandise of a person whose manufacture or
merchandise they are not, is said to use a false trade mark.
481. Whoever marks any moveable property or goods or any case, package or other
receptacle containing moveable property or goods, or uses any case, package or other receptacle
having any mark thereon, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause it to be believed that the
property or goods moveable property, or valuable security, or any document purporting to be an
acquittance or receipt acknowledging the payment of money, or an acquittance or receipt for the
delivery of any moveable property or valuable security, shall be punished with transportation for life,
or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also
be liable to fine.
....................................................................
1. Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1946.
468. Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document forged shall be used for the
purpose 3f cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
469. Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document forged shall harm the reputation
of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
470. A false document made wholly or in part by forgery is designated "a forged document."
471. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly use as genuine any document which he knows or
has reason to believe to be a forged document shall be punished in the same manner as if he had
forged such document.
472. Whoever makes or counterfeits any seals, plate or other instrument for making an
impression, intending that the same shall be used for the purpose of committing any forgery which
would be punishable under section 467, or with such intent has in his possession any such seal,
plate or other instrument, knowing; the same to be counterfeit, shall be punishable with
transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to
seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
473. Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an
impression, intending that the same shall be used for purpose of committing any forgery which
would be punishable under any section of this chapter other than section 467, or with such intent
has in his possession any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
474. Whoever has in his possession any document, knowing the same to be forged, and
intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document
is one of the description mentioned in section 466, be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the
document is one of the description mentioned in section 467, shall be punished with transportation
for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and
shall also be liable to fine.
475. Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark for
the purpose of authenticating any document described in section 467, intending that such device or
mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity or any document then
forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who with such intent has in his possession any
material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
476. Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark
used for the purpose of authenticating any document other than the documents described in section
467, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of
authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who with
such intent has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or
mark has been counterfeited, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
477. Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the
public or to any person, cancels, destroys or defaces, or attempts to cancel, destroy of deface, or
secretes or attempts to secrete any document which is or purports to be a will, or an authority to
adopt a son, or any valuable security, or commits mischief in respect to such document, shall be
punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
477A. Whoever, being a clerk, officer or servant, or employed or acting in the capacity of a
clerk, officer or servant, willfully and with intent to defraud, destroys, alters, mutilates or falsifies any
book, paper, writing, valuable security or account which belongs to or is in the possession of his em-
ployer, or has been received by him for or on behalf of his employer, or in, or omits or alters or abets
the omission or alteration of any material particular from or in, any such book, paper, writing,
valuable security or account, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation. - It shall be ‘sufficient in any charge under this section to allege a general intent to
defraud, without naming any particular person intended to be defrauded or specifying any particular
sum of money intended to be the subject of the fraud, or any particular day on which the offence
was committed.
Of Trade, Property and Other Marks
478. A mark used for denoting that goods are the manufacture or merchandise of a particular
person is called a trade mark [ * * *]1
479. A mark used for denoting that moveable property belongs to a particular person is called a
property mark.
480. Whoever marks any goods or any case, package or other receptacle containing goods, or
uses any case, package or other receptacle with any mark thereon, in a manner reasonably
calculated to cause it to be believed that the goods so marked, or any goods contained in any such
receptacle so marked, are The manufacture or merchandise of a person whose manufacture or
merchandise they are not, is said to use a false trade mark.
481. Whoever marks any moveable property or goods or any case, package or other
receptacle containing moveable property or goods, or uses any case, package or other receptacle
having any mark thereon, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause it to be believed that the
property or goods so marked, or any property or goods contained in any such receptacle so marked,
belong to a person to whom they do not belong, is said to use a false property mark.
..........................................................
1. Omitted by the Union of Burma (adaptation Of Laws) Order. 1943.
482. Whoever uses any false mark or any false property mark shall, unless he proves that he
acted without intent to defraud, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which
may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
483. Whoever counterfeits any trademark or property mark used by any other person shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with
fine, or with both.
484. Whoever counterfeits any property mark used by a public servant, or any mark used by a
public servant to denote that any property has been manufactured by a particular person or at a
particular time or place, or that the property is of a particular quality or has passed through a
particular office, or that it is entitled to any exemption, or uses as genuine any such mark knowing
the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
485. Whoever makes or has in his possession any die, plate or other instrument for the
purpose of counterfeiting a trade mark, or property mark, or has in his possession a trade mark or
property mark for the purpose of denoting that any goods are the manufacture or merchandise of a
person whose manufacture or merchandise they are not, or that they belong to a person to whom
they do not belong, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
486. Whoever sells, or exposes, or has in possession for sale or any purpose of trade or
manufacture, any goods or things with a counterfeit trade mark or property mark affixed to or
impressed upon the same or to or upon any case, package or other receptacle in which such goods
are contained, shall, unless he proves -
(a) that, having taken all reasonable precautions against committing an offence against this
section, he had at the time of the commission of the alleged offence no reason to suspect the
genuineness of the mark, and
(b) that, on demand made by or on behalf of the prosecutor he gave all the information in his
power with respect to the person from whom he obtained such goods or things, or
(c) that otherwise he had acted innocently,
be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or
with fine, or with both.
487. Whoever makes any false mark upon any case, package or other receptacle containing
goods, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause any public servant or any other person to believe
that such receptacle contains goods which it does not contain, or that it does not contain goods
which it does contain, or that the goods contained in such receptacle are of a nature or quality
different from the real nature or quality thereof, shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to
defraud, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three
years, or with fine, or with both.
488. Whoever makes use of any such false mark in any manner prohibited by the last
foregoing section shall unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, b punished as if he
had committed an offence against that section
489. Whoever removes, destroys, defaces or adds to any property mark, intending or knowing
it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury to any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Of Currency-Notes and Bank-Notes
489A. Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting,
any currency-note or bank-note shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.-- For the purposes of this section and of sections 489B, 489C and 489D, the
expression ‘bank-note" means a promissory note or engagement for the payment of money to
bearer on demand issued by any person carrying on the business of banking in any part of the
world, or issued by or under the authority of any State or Sovereign Power, and intended to be used
as equivalent to, or as a substitute for, money.
489B. Whoever sells to, or buys or receives from, any other person, or otherwise traffics in or
uses as genuine, any forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note, knowing or having reason to
believe the same to be forged or counterfeit, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable
to fine.
489C. Whoever has in his possession any forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note,
knowing or having reason to believe the same to be forged or counterfeit and intending to use the
same as genuine or that it may be used as genuine, shall be punished with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
489D. Whoever makes, or performs any part of the process of making, or buys or sells or
disposes of, or has in his possession any machinery, instrument or material for the purpose or being
used, or knowing or having reason to believe that it is intended to be used, for forging or
counterfeiting any currency-note or bank-note, shall be punished with transportation for life, or with
imprisonment of either description for a term with may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to
fine. (Back)
CHAPTER XIX
OF THE CRIMINAL BREACH OF CONTRACTS OF SERVICE
490. * * * *
491. 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 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. (Back)
492. * * * *
CHAPTER XX
OF OFFENCES RELATING To MARRIAGE
493. Every man who by deceit causes any woman who is not lawfully married to him to
believe that she is lawfully married to him, and to cohabit or have sexual intercourse with him in that
belief, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten
years, and shall also be liable to fine.
494. Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage
is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine.
Exception.— This section does not extend to any person whose marriage with such husband
or wife has been declared void by a Court of competent jurisdiction,
nor to any person who contracts a marriage during the life of a former husband or wife, if such
husband or wife, at the time to subsequent marriage, shall have been continually absent from such
person for the space of seven years, and shall not have been heard of by such person as being
alive within that time, provided the person contracting such subsequent marriage shall, before such
marriage takes place, inform the person with whom such marriage is contracted of the real state of
facts so far as the same are within his or her knowledge.
495. Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section, having concealed
from the person, with t whom the subsequent marriage is contracted the fact of the former marriage,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years,
and shall also be liable to fine.
496. Whoever, dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention, goes through the ceremony of being
married, knowing that he is not thereby lawfully married, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven-years, and shall also be liable to fine.
497. Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has
reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man,
such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years,
or with fine, or with both. In such case the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor.
498. Whoever takes or entices away any woman, who is and whom he knows or has reason
to believe to be the wife of any other man, from that man, or from any person having the care of her
on behalf of that man, with intent that she may have illicit intercourse with any person, or conceals or
detains with that intent any such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XXI
OF DEFAMATION
499. Whoever, by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible
representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person, intending to harm, or
knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person, is
said, except in the cases hereinafter excepted, to defame that person.
Explanation 1.— It may amount to defamation to impute anything to a deceased person, if the
imputation would harm the reputation of that person if living, and is intended to be hurtful to the
feelings of his family or other near relatives.
Explanation 2.— It may amount to defamation to make an imputation concerning a company
or an association or collection of persons as such.
Explanation 3.— An imputation in the form of an alternative or expressed ironically may
amount to defamation.
Explanation 4.— No imputation is said to harm a person's reputation unless that imputation
directly or indirectly, in the estimation of others, lowers the moral or intellectual character of that
person, or lowers the character of that person in respect of his caste or of his calling, or lowers the
credit of that person, or causes it to be believed that the body of that person is in a loathsome state
or in a state generally considered as disgraceful.
(a) A says— "Z is an honest man; he never stole B's watch", intending to cause it to be
believed that Z did steal B's watch. This is defamation, unless it fall within one of the exceptions.
(b) A is asked who stole B's watch. A points to Z, intending to cause it to be believed that Z
stole B's watch. This defamation, unless it fall within one of the exceptions.
(c) A draws a picture of Z running away with B's watch, intending it lobe believed that Z stole
B's watch. This is defamation, unless it fall within one of the exceptions.
First Exception. — It is not defamation to impute anything which is true concerning any
person, if it be for the public good that the imputation should be made or published. Whether or not it
is for the public good is a question of fact.
Second Exception. — It is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion whatever
respecting the conduct of a public servant in the discharge of his public functions, or respecting his
character, so far as his character appears in that conduct and further.
Third Exception . — It is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion whatever
respecting the conduct of any person touching any public question, and respecting his character, so
far as his character appears in that conduct and no further.
Illustration
It is not defamation in A to express in good faith any opinion whatever respecting Z's conduct
in petitioning Government on a public question, in signing a requisition for a meeting on a public
question.
in presiding or attending at such meeting, in forming or joining any society which invites the
public support, in voting or canvassing for a particular candidate for any situation in efficient
discharge of the duties of which the public is interested.
Fourth Exception, — It is not defamation to publish a substantially true report of the
proceedings of a Court of Justice, or of the result of any such proceedings.
Explanation. — A Magistrate or other officer holding an enquiry in open Court preliminary to a
trial in a Court of Justice is a Court within the meaning of the above section.
Fifth Exception. — It is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion whatever
respecting the merits of any case, civil or criminal, which has been decided by a Court of Justice, or
respecting the conduct of any person as party witness or agent in any such case, or respecting the
character of such person, as far as his character appears in that conduct and no further.
Illustrations
(a) A says—"I think Z's evidence on that trial is so contradictory that he must be stupid or
dishonest." A is within this exception if he says this in good faith, inasmuch as the opinion which he
expresses respects Z's character as it appears in Z's conduct as a witness, and no farther.
(b) But if A says— "I do not believe what Z asserted at that trial because I know him to be a
man without veracity." A is not within this exception, inasmuch as the opinion which he expresses of
Z's character is an opinion not founded on Z's conduct as a witness.
Sixth Exception.— It is not defamation to express in good faith any opinion respecting the
merits of any performance which its author has submitted to the judgment of the public, or
respecting the character of the author so far as his character appears in such performance and no
further.
Explanation. — A performance may be submitted to the judgment of the public expressly or by
acts on the part of the author which imply such submission to the judgment of the public.
Illustrations
(a) A person who publishes a book submits that book to the judgment of the public.
(b) A person who makes a speech in public submits that speech to the judgment of the public.
(c) An actor or singer who appears on a public stage submits his acting or singing to the
judgment of the public.
(d) A says of a book published by Z—"Z's book is foolish; Z must be a weak man. Z's book is
indecent; Z must ‘be a man of impure mind." A is within this exception if he says this in good faith,
inasmuch as the opinion which he expresses of Z respects Z's character only so far as it appears in
Z's book and no further.
(e) But if A says — "I am not surprised that Z's book is foolish and indecent, for he is a weak
man and a libertine." A is not within this exception, inasmuch as the opinion which he expresses of
Z's character is an opinion not founded on Z's book.
Seventh Exception.— It is not defamation in a person having over another any authority,
either conferred by law or arising out of a lawful contract made with that other, to pass in good faith
any censure on the conduct of that other in matters to which such lawful authority relates.
Illustration
A judge censuring in good faith the conduct of a witness, or of an officer of the Court; a head
of a department censuring in good faith those who are under his orders; a parent censuring In good
faith a child in the presence of other children; a schoolmaster, whose authority is derived from a
parent, censuring in good faith a pupil in the presence of other pupils; a master censuring a servant
in good faith for remissness in service; a banker censuring in good faith the cashier of his bank for
the conduct of such cashier as such cashier— are within this exception.
Eighth Exception. — It is not defamation to prefer in good faith an' accusation against any
person to any of those who have lawful authority over that person with respect to the subject-master
of accusation.
Illustration
If A in good faith accuses Z before a Magistrate; if A in good faith complains of the conduct of
Z, a servant, to Z's master; if A in good faith complains of the conduct of Z, a child to Z's father— A
is within this exception.
Ninth Exception.— It is not defamation to make an imputation on the character of another,
provided that the imputation be made in good faith for the protection of the interest of the person
making it, or of any other person, or for the public good.
(a) A, a shopkeeper, says to B, who manages his business— "Sell nothing to 2 unless he pays
you ready money, for I have no opinion of his honesty." A is within the exception, if he has made this
imputation on 2 in good faith for the protection of his own interests.
(b) A, a Magistrate in making a report to his own superior officer, casts an imputation on the
character of 2. Here, if tile imputation is made in good faith, and for the public good, A is within the
exception.
Tenth Exception.— It is not defamation to convey a caution in good faith to one person against
another, provided that such caution be intended for the good of the person to whom it is conveyed,
or of some person in whom that person is interested, or for the public good.
500. Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which
may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
501. Whoever prints or engraves any matter, knowing or having good reason to believe that such
matter is defamatory of any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which
may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. -
502. Whoever sells or offers for sale any printed or engraved substance containing defamatory
matter, knowing that it contains such matter, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term
which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XXII
OF CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, INSULT AND ANNOYANCE
503. Whoever threatens another with any injury to his person, reputation or property, or to the
person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that
person, or to cause that person to do any act which he is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do
any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such
threat, commits criminal intimidation.
Explanation. — A threat to injure the reputation of any deceased person in whom the person
threatened is interested is within this section.
Illustration
A, for the purpose of inducing B to desist from prosecuting a civil suit, threatens to
burn B's house. A is guilty of criminal intimidation.
504. Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or
knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit
any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
505. Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report,—
(a) with intent to -cause, or which is likely to cause, any officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the
Army, Navy or Air Force [* * ]1 to mutiny or otherwise disregard or fail in his duty as such; or
(b) with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public or to any section of
the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against
the public tranquility; or
(c) with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit
any offence against any other class or community,
shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
..................................................................
1.Omitted by the Union of Burma (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1948.
Exception.— It does not amount to an offence, within the meaning of his section, when the
person making, publishing or circulating shy such statement, rumour or report has reasonable
grounds for believing that such statement, rumour or report is true and makes, publishes or
circulates it without any such intent as aforesaid.
506. Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment
of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine or with both; and if the
threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire, or to
cause an offence punishable with death or transportation or with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to seven years, or to impute unchastity to a woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.
507. Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation by -an anonymous communication, or
having taken precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term winch may extend to two years,
in addition to the punishment provided for the offence by the last preceding section.
508. -Whoever voluntarily causes or attempts to cause any person to do anything which that
person is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do anything which he is legally entitled to do, by
inducing or attempting to induce that person to believe that he or any person in whom he is
interested will become or will be rendered by some act of the offender an object of Divine
displeasure if he does not do the thing which it an object of the offender to cause him to do, or if he
does the thing which it is the object of the offender to cause him to omit, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with
both.
Illustrations
(a) A sits dhurna at Z's door with the intention of using it to be believed that, by so sitting, he
renders Z an object of Divine displeasure. A- has committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A threatens Z that, unless Z performs a certain act, A will kill one of A's own children, under
such circumstances that the killing would be believed to render Z an object of Divine displeasure. A
has committed the offence defined in this section.
509. Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman, utters any word, makes any sound
or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be beards, or that such
gesture or object shall be seen, by such woman, or intrudes upon the privacy of such woman, shall
be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with
both.
510. Whoever in a state of intoxication appears in any public place, or in any place which it is a
trespass in him to enter, and there conducts himself in such manner as to cause annoyance to any
person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term winch may extend to twenty-four
hours, or with fine which may extend to ten rupees, or with both. (Back)
CHAPTER XXIII
OF ATTEMPTS To COMMIT OFFENCES
511. Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable by this Code with transportation or
imprisonment, or to cause such an offence to be committed, and in such attempt does any act
towards the commission of the offence, shall, where no express provision is made by this Code for
the punishment of such attempt, be punished with transportation or imprisonment of any description
provided for the offence for a term of transportation or imprisonment which may extend to one-half of
the longest term provided for that offence, or with such fine as is provide for the offence, or with
both.
Illustration
(a) A makes an attempt to steal some jewels by breaking open a box and finds after so opening
the box that there is ~to jewel in it. He has done an act towards the commission of theft, and
therefore is guilty under this section.
(b) A makes an attempt to pick the pocket of Z by thrusting his hand into Z's pocket. A fails in the
attempt in consequence of Z's having nothing in his pocket. A is guilty under this section.