Code
Whenever any unlawful assembly or riot takes place, the owner or occupier of the land upon which such unlawful assembly is held, or such riot is committed, and any person having or claiming an interest in such land, shall be punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees, if he or his agent or manager, knowing that such offence is being or has been committed, or having reason to believe it is likely to be committed, do not give the earliest notice thereof in his or their power to the principal officer at the nearest police-station,
and do not, in the case of his or their having reason to believe that it was about to be committed, use all lawful means in his or their power to prevent it and, in the event of its taking place, do not use all lawful means in his or their power to disperse or suppress the riot or unlawful assembly.
Explanation
Section 154 of the Indian Penal Code deals with the liability of the owner or occupier of land for unlawful assemblies that occur on their property. It states that if an owner or occupier of land knowingly permits their land to be used for an unlawful assembly, they can be held criminally liable. This provision aims to deter property owners from allowing their land to be used for illegal gatherings, and to encourage them to take steps to prevent such gatherings from taking place.
Illustration
Imagine a property owner rents out their space for a concert. The organizer of the concert fails to obtain the necessary permits and the concert becomes an unlawful assembly. The property owner, even though they were not directly involved in the organization of the concert, could be held liable under Section 154 because they knowingly permitted their land to be used for an unlawful assembly.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: What is an unlawful assembly?
A: An unlawful assembly is a gathering of people with the intention of committing an unlawful act or using violence against another person or group.
Q: What does it mean to “knowingly permit” the land to be used?
A: It means that the owner or occupier is aware that the land is being used for an unlawful assembly and does nothing to prevent it.
Q: What is the punishment for violating Section 154?
A: The punishment for violating Section 154 can be imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine, or both.
