CrPC Section 39
⚖️ Section 39 – Public to give information of certain offences
Legal Text (Simplified):
Every person, aware of the commission of certain serious offences, is legally bound to inform the nearest magistrate or police officer.
📌 Key Points:
Mandatory Reporting:
If a person is aware of the commission, or the intention to commit, certain crimes listed in this section, they must inform the authorities.
Who must report?
Any person who has knowledge (except when legally exempt, e.g., attorney-client privilege).
To Whom?
Nearest Magistrate, or
Police officer
🧾 Offences Covered (Under IPC):
Section 39 specifically includes serious offences such as:
Murder (Section 302)
Culpable homicide (Section 304)
Kidnapping (Section 363, 364, etc.)
Rape (Section 376)
Robbery and dacoity (Section 392 to 402)
Offences against the State (e.g., waging war, sedition)
Offences involving counterfeit coins, government stamps, currency notes, etc.
👉 A full list includes over a dozen IPC sections — all dealing with grave offences.
🚨 Penalty for Non-compliance:
Failure to report such offences may amount to an offence under Section 176 of the IPC (non-disclosure of information to a public servant), punishable with imprisonment or fine.
🧠 Example:
If a person learns that someone is planning a dacoity (robbery by a gang), they are legally bound to report this to the police or a magistrate. Failure to do so can result in legal action against the person for withholding crucial information.
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