Section 225B IPC: Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 225B IPC at a Glance
Section 225B IPC deals with resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 265 BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months.
Section 225B IPC Bare Act Text
225B. Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension, or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for
Whoever, in any case not provided for in section 224 or section 225 or in any other law for the time being in 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 person 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.
Source: Section 225B, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 225B IPC in Simple Words
Section 225B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) acts as a residual provision covering resistance or illegal obstruction to lawful apprehension, escape from lawful custody, or rescue of another from lawful custody in cases not provided for in Section 224 IPC, Section 225 IPC, or any other law in force. The section penalises anyone who intentionally resists or obstructs the lawful apprehension of himself or another person, escapes or attempts to escape from lawful custody, or rescues or attempts to rescue any other person from lawful custody.
The prescribed punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both. The offence is cognizable, bailable, non-compoundable, and triable by any Magistrate.
Ingredients of Section 225B IPC
- A lawful apprehension or lawful detention of oneself or another person
- The case is not provided for by Section 224 IPC, Section 225 IPC, or any other law for the time being in force
- The accused intentionally offered resistance or illegal obstruction, escaped or attempted to escape, or rescued or attempted to rescue another person
Punishment Under Section 225B IPC
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months.
Fine is an optional alternative to imprisonment, or may be imposed in addition to imprisonment.
Resisting or obstructing lawful apprehension, escaping from custody, or rescuing another in residual cases carries imprisonment of either description for up to six months, or fine, or both.
Example of Section 225B IPC
When Section 225B IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 225B IPC does not apply when the apprehension or detention is unlawful or made without valid legal authority.
- Section 225B IPC does not apply if the resistance, obstruction, escape, or rescue relates to custody for an offence covered by Section 224 IPC or Section 225 IPC, or is specifically penalised under another law in force.
- Section 225B IPC does not apply where any obstruction to the apprehension is unintentional and the person neither escapes nor attempts to escape or rescue anyone.
- Section 225B IPC does not apply when a person leaves a place after the period of lawful detention has already expired or been set aside.
Section 225B IPC in the BNS
Section 225B IPC is now covered under Section 265 BNS.
Section 225B IPC is now Section 265 BNS. The cross-references are updated from Section 224 IPC and Section 225 IPC to Section 262 BNS and Section 263 BNS, and the comma after apprehension in the title is omitted, while substantive elements and penalties remain identical.
View detailed comparison (IPC 225B vs BNS 265) →FAQs on Section 225B IPC
What does Section 225B IPC punish?▼
It punishes intentionally offering resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of oneself or another, escaping from lawful custody, or rescuing another from lawful custody, in cases not covered by Section 224 IPC, Section 225 IPC, or other laws.
What is the punishment under Section 225B IPC?▼
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
When does Section 225B IPC apply instead of Section 224 IPC or Section 225 IPC?▼
Section 224 IPC and Section 225 IPC apply when the apprehension or custody is for an offence, whereas Section 225B IPC is a residual section covering situations such as civil warrants or non-offence custodies.
Does Section 225B IPC require physical force?▼
No. Section 225B IPC covers intentional resistance or illegal obstruction, an escape or attempt to escape, and a rescue or attempt to rescue. None of these limbs names force as an element.
Is an offence under Section 225B IPC bailable and cognizable?▼
An offence under Section 225B IPC is cognizable and bailable.
Which court tries an offence under Section 225B IPC?▼
Any Magistrate.
Can an offence under Section 225B IPC be compounded?▼
No. Section 225B IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 225B IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 265 BNS.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·