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BNS, 2023
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BNSChapter XIISection 202
Section202

Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade

AI Assist

Summary

A public servant who is legally prohibited from engaging in trade but still carries on trade commits an offence. The punishment can be simple imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine, or both, or community service. It applies whenever the public servant’s official duties or law bar them from doing business.

Example

Priya is a government clerk who runs a small neighbourhood grocery in the evenings, though rules prohibit her from carrying on any business. Under this provision she can be punished with up to one year simple imprisonment, or a fine, or both, or be ordered to do community service.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant not to engage in trade, engages in trade, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both or with community service.

BNSS Classification

  • Simple imprisonment for 1 year, or fine, or both, or community service.
  • Non-cognizable
  • Bailable
  • Triable by Magistrate of the first class.
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XII

Chapter XII

Of Offences By Or Relating To Public Servants

In this chapter

  • 198Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
  • 199Public servant disobeying direction under law
  • 200Punishment for non-treatment of victim
  • 201Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury
  • 202Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade
  • 203Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property
  • 204Personating a public servant
  • 205Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
Previous · Section 201Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injuryNext · Section 203Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property