IPC Section 131
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 131 – Refusal to attend or produce document before public servant
Text of Section 131 IPC:
"Whoever, without lawful excuse, refuses to attend when duly summoned as a witness before any public servant legally authorized to require the attendance of witnesses, or refuses to produce any document or thing legally required, 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."
Detailed Explanation:
Section 131 penalizes a person who, without lawful excuse, refuses to:
Attend as a witness when summoned legally by a public servant (such as a court, magistrate, or other authorized official), or
Produce any document or thing that they are legally required to bring.
Key Points:
Who is Covered?
Any person summoned as a witness by a lawful authority.
Anyone required to produce documents or things legally relevant to an investigation or proceeding.
Without Lawful Excuse:
The refusal must be without lawful excuse.
Valid excuses might include physical incapacity, lack of proper notice, or privileges like immunity.
Duly Summoned:
The summons must be legal and properly served.
The person is required to attend at a certain time and place.
Penalty:
Simple imprisonment up to 1 month.
Or fine up to ₹500.
Or both imprisonment and fine.
Purpose of Section 131:
To ensure compliance with legal summons.
To prevent obstruction of justice by refusing to give evidence or documents.
To uphold the authority of courts and public servants in criminal and civil proceedings.
Example to Illustrate:
If a person is summoned by a court to testify as a witness in a criminal trial and they refuse to attend without any valid reason, they can be punished under Section 131.
Similarly, if a person is asked to produce a legal document (e.g., contract, record) in court or by a police officer and refuses without lawful excuse, Section 131 applies.
Summary:
Section 131 punishes refusal to attend as a witness or to produce documents or things when legally summoned.
Aims to facilitate the administration of justice by compelling cooperation.
Imposes a penalty of imprisonment, fine, or both for non-compliance.
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