Section 171 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
Section 171 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023—titled "Prevention of injury to public property"—empowers police officers to take immediate action to protect public property.
📜 Text of Section 171
Section 171: Prevention of injury to public property
A police officer may, of his own authority, interpose to prevent any injury attempted to be committed in his view to any public property, movable or immovable, or the removal or injury of any public landmark, buoy, or other mark used for navigation.
⚖️ Comparison with the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.)
This provision closely mirrors Section 152 of the Cr.P.C., which grants police officers similar authority to prevent injury to public property in their view. Both sections emphasize the proactive role of police in safeguarding public assets and maintaining public order.
🧭 Practical Implications
In practice, Section 171 allows police officers to take swift action to prevent damage to public property, such as government buildings, infrastructure, and navigational markers. This provision is particularly relevant during public protests, civil unrest, or any situation where there is a risk to public assets.
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