Section 166 IPC: Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 166 IPC at a Glance
Section 166 IPC deals with public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 198 BNS.
Simple imprisonment for up to one year.
Section 166 IPC Bare Act Text
166. Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
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.
IllustrationA, 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.
Source: Section 166, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 166 IPC in Simple Words
Section 166 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes a public servant who knowingly disobeys a direction of the law as to the way in which he is to conduct himself as such public servant, intending by the disobedience to cause injury to any person or knowing it to be likely that he will cause injury to any person.
The punishment is simple imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both.
The offence is non-cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.
Ingredients of Section 166 IPC
- The accused is a public servant
- The accused knowingly disobeys a direction of the law as to the way in which he is to conduct himself as such public servant
- The accused intends by the disobedience to cause injury to any person, or knows it to be likely that he will by the disobedience cause injury to any person
Punishment Under Section 166 IPC
Simple imprisonment for up to one year.
The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both simple imprisonment and fine. The section fixes no amount.
A public servant who knowingly disobeys a direction of the law as described in the section is punishable with simple imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both.
Example of Section 166 IPC
When Section 166 IPC Does Not Apply
- The person who disobeyed the rule was not a public servant.
- The public servant failed to follow the legal direction through an honest mistake rather than knowing disobedience.
- The rule that was broken was not a direction of law governing how the public servant must conduct himself in his official capacity.
- The public servant neither intended to cause injury to anyone nor knew that his disobedience was likely to cause injury.
Section 166 IPC in the BNS
Section 166 IPC is now covered under Section 198 BNS.
Section 166 IPC is now Section 198 BNS, with the same title and the same punishment. The words of the offence are unchanged. In the illustration the BNS says a Court where the IPC said a Court of Justice.
View detailed comparison (IPC 166 vs BNS 198) →FAQs on Section 166 IPC
What does Section 166 IPC provide?▼
It punishes a public servant who knowingly disobeys a direction of the law as to the way in which he is to conduct himself as such public servant, intending by the disobedience to cause injury to any person or knowing it to be likely that he will cause injury to any person.
What is the punishment under Section 166 IPC?▼
Simple imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both.
Does Section 166 IPC apply to every disobedience by a public servant?▼
No. The accused must be a public servant who knowingly disobeys a direction of the law as to the way in which he is to conduct himself as such. He must also intend to cause injury to any person or know it to be likely that he will cause injury to any person.
What does injury mean in Section 166 IPC?▼
Section 44 IPC defines injury as any harm whatever illegally caused to any person, in body, mind, reputation or property.
How does Section 166 IPC differ from Section 166A IPC?▼
Section 166A IPC is a separate offence. It punishes a public servant who knowingly disobeys a direction of the law about requiring a person to attend a place for investigation or about the manner of conducting an investigation, or who fails to record information about the offences it lists. Its punishment is rigorous imprisonment of at least six months and up to two years, and fine.
Is an offence under Section 166 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
It is non-cognizable and bailable.
Which court tries an offence under Section 166 IPC?▼
A Magistrate of the first class.
Can an offence under Section 166 IPC be compounded?▼
No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 166 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 198 BNS.
Have questions about Section 166 IPC?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·