Assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain exercise of any lawful power

What this section does

This section penalises anyone who assaults, wrongfully restrains, attempts to wrongfully restrain, or overawes (by criminal force or its show) the President of India or a State Governor with the intent to compel or prevent them from exercising their lawful powers. The offence targets coercive acts directed at the highest constitutional executives. Both completed acts and attempts are covered.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 7 years, and also liable to fine.

Triable by

Sessions Court

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

No

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused assaulted, wrongfully restrained, attempted to wrongfully restrain, or overawed (or attempted to overawe) the President of India or a State Governor
2. The act was carried out by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force
3. The specific intention was to induce or compel such President or Governor to exercise or refrain from exercising any of their lawful powers

Derived from IPC s.124.