Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding

What this section does

Penalises a person who absconds to avoid being served with a summons, notice, or order issued by a legally competent public servant. A higher punishment applies where the summons/notice/order requires attendance or production of documents before a Court.

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

Quick reference

Punishment

(a) General: Simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both. (b) Where summons/notice/order is to attend or produce a document/electronic record in a Court: Simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.

Triable by

Any Magistrate

Cognizable

No

Bailable

Yes

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused absconded
2. The purpose of absconding was to avoid being served with a summons, notice, or order
3. The summons, notice, or order was issued by a public servant legally competent to issue it

Derived from IPC s.172.