Section 510 IPC: Misconduct in public by a drunken person
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 510 IPC at a Glance
Section 510 IPC deals with misconduct in public by a drunken person. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 355 BNS.
Simple imprisonment for up to twenty-four hours.
Section 510 IPC Bare Act Text
510. Misconduct in public by a drunken person
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 a manner as to cause annoyance to any person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty-four hours, or with fine which may extend to ten rupees, or with both.
Source: Section 510, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 510 IPC in Simple Words
Section 510 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes a person who, 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 a manner as to cause annoyance to any person. The punishment is simple imprisonment for up to twenty-four hours, or fine of up to ten rupees, or both.
Ingredients of Section 510 IPC
- The accused is in a state of intoxication
- In that state he appears in a public place, or in any place which it is a trespass in him to enter
- There he conducts himself in such a manner as to cause annoyance to any person
Punishment Under Section 510 IPC
Simple imprisonment for up to twenty-four hours.
Fine of up to ten rupees in place of imprisonment, or both.
Public misconduct in an intoxicated state causing annoyance to any person is punishable with simple imprisonment for up to twenty-four hours, or fine of up to ten rupees, or both. It is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate, and not compoundable.
Example of Section 510 IPC
When Section 510 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 510 IPC does not apply when a person behaves in an annoying manner in a public place while sober rather than in a state of intoxication.
- Section 510 IPC does not apply when an intoxicated person is present in a public place or trespasses on property but behaves quietly without causing annoyance to anyone.
- Section 510 IPC does not apply when an intoxicated person causes annoyance inside private premises that he has a lawful right to enter and where his presence is not a trespass.
Section 510 IPC in the BNS
Section 510 IPC is now covered under Section 355 BNS.
Section 510 IPC corresponds to Section 355 BNS. The twenty-four hours maximum simple imprisonment is maintained, but the maximum fine is increased from ten rupees to one thousand rupees, and community service is added as an alternative form of punishment.
View detailed comparison (IPC 510 vs BNS 355) →FAQs on Section 510 IPC
What does Section 510 IPC punish?▼
It punishes appearing in any public place, or in any place which it is a trespass to enter, in a state of intoxication and there conducting oneself in such a manner as to cause annoyance to any person, with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty-four hours, or with fine which may extend to ten rupees, or with both.
Is being drunk in public by itself punishable under Section 510 IPC?▼
No. Mere intoxication in public does not constitute an offence under Section 510 IPC. The person must also conduct himself in such a manner as to cause annoyance to another person.
Does Section 510 IPC apply outside public places?▼
Yes. It also applies where the intoxicated person enters any place which it is a trespass in him to enter, and there causes annoyance.
Is Section 510 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
Section 510 IPC is bailable and non-cognizable under the First Schedule to the CrPC.
Which court tries an offence under Section 510 IPC?▼
Any Magistrate may try an offence under Section 510 IPC.
Can an offence under Section 510 IPC be compounded?▼
No. Section 510 IPC is not listed in Section 320 CrPC, so it cannot be compounded.
Where is Section 510 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
It is placed in Section 355 BNS, which retains the twenty-four hours simple imprisonment while raising the maximum fine to one thousand rupees and adding community service.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·