Section 224 IPC: Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 224 IPC at a Glance
Section 224 IPC deals with resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 262 BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, awarded in addition to the punishment for the underlying offence.
Section 224 IPC Bare Act Text
224. Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension
Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of himself for any offence with which he is charged or of which he has been convicted, or escapes or 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.
ExplanationThe 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 which he was charged, or of which he was convicted.
Source: Section 224, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 224 IPC in Simple Words
Section 224 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes a person who intentionally offers resistance or illegal obstruction to his own lawful apprehension for any offence with which he is charged or of which he has been convicted. It likewise punishes a person who escapes or attempts to escape from custody in which he is lawfully detained for any such offence.
The prescribed penalty is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. The Explanation clarifies that this punishment is in addition to whatever sentence the person was liable to suffer for the original offence for which he was to be apprehended or detained.
The offence is cognizable, bailable, non-compoundable, and triable by any Magistrate.
Ingredients of Section 224 IPC
- The person was charged with or had been convicted of an offence
- The apprehension or detention in custody was lawful
- The accused intentionally offered resistance or illegal obstruction to his own apprehension, or escaped or attempted to escape from such custody
Punishment Under Section 224 IPC
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, awarded in addition to the punishment for the underlying offence.
Fine is an optional alternative to imprisonment, or may be imposed in addition to imprisonment.
Resisting or obstructing lawful apprehension or escaping from lawful custody carries imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both, in addition to the punishment for the offence with which the person was charged or of which he was convicted.
Example of Section 224 IPC
When Section 224 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 224 IPC does not apply when the arrest or detention is illegal, such as an apprehension made without lawful authority or a required warrant.
- Section 224 IPC does not apply if the person being arrested or detained is neither charged with nor convicted of an offence, for instance when detained solely under civil process.
- Section 224 IPC does not apply where the person submits peacefully to arrest and neither resists nor attempts to escape from lawful custody.
- Section 224 IPC does not apply when a third party resists or obstructs the arrest of another person, which falls under Section 225 IPC rather than Section 224 IPC.
Section 224 IPC in the BNS
Section 224 IPC is now covered under Section 262 BNS.
Section 224 IPC is now Section 262 BNS. The text, legal elements, Explanation on additional punishment, and penalty of imprisonment up to two years or fine or both remain completely identical under the new Sanhita.
View detailed comparison (IPC 224 vs BNS 262) →FAQs on Section 224 IPC
What does Section 224 IPC punish?▼
It punishes a person who intentionally offers resistance or illegal obstruction to his own lawful apprehension for an offence, or escapes or attempts to escape from lawful custody for that offence.
What is the punishment under Section 224 IPC?▼
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Is the punishment under Section 224 IPC in addition to the punishment for the original offence?▼
Yes. The Explanation says the punishment under Section 224 IPC is in addition to the punishment for which the person was liable for the offence with which he was charged or of which he was convicted.
Does Section 224 IPC apply to resisting an unlawful arrest?▼
No. The section explicitly requires that the apprehension or detention in custody be lawful.
Is an offence under Section 224 IPC bailable and cognizable?▼
An offence under Section 224 IPC is cognizable and bailable.
Which court tries an offence under Section 224 IPC?▼
Any Magistrate.
Can an offence under Section 224 IPC be compounded?▼
No. Section 224 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 224 IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 262 BNS.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·