IPC Section 176: Omission to Give Notice or Information to Public Servant

1. State the Code

Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of omission to give notice or information to a public servant when legally bound to do so.

2. Explanation

This section states that whoever, being legally bound to give notice or information to any public servant, as such, of any fact which it is his duty to communicate to such public servant, omits to give such notice or information, 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.

The key elements of this offense are:

• Legal obligation: The person must be legally bound to give notice or information.
• Public servant: The information must be given to a public servant.
• Duty to communicate: It must be the person’s duty to communicate the information.
• Omission: The person must have omitted to give the notice or information.

3. Illustration

Imagine a doctor treating a patient who is suffering from a contagious disease. The doctor knows that it is his legal duty to inform the health authorities about such a case. If the doctor fails to do so, he would be committing an offense under Section 176 of IPC.

4. Common Questions and Answers

What are some examples of legal obligations to give notice or information?

• • A doctor’s duty to report a contagious disease.
  • A police officer’s duty to report a crime.
  • A witness’s duty to testify in court.

What is the difference between Section 176 and Section 182 of the IPC?

Section 182 deals with intentionally giving false information to a public servant. Section 176 deals with failing to provide information that is legally required.

What is the punishment for violating Section 176?

Simple imprisonment for up to one month, a fine of up to five hundred rupees, or both.