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IPC, 1860
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IPCChapter IXSection 168
Section168

Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade

AI Assist

Summary

A public servant who is legally forbidden from carrying on trade but does so commits an offence. It applies when service rules or official duties bar private trading while in office. Punishment is simple imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine, or both.

Example

Priya is a clerical officer in a municipal office whose service rules forbid her from running a private shop. She starts selling clothes online while still in service. Under this rule she can be prosecuted and punished with simple imprisonment up to one year, or with a fine, or both.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever, being a public servant, and being legally bound as such public servant not to engages 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.

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IX

Chapter IX

Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants

In this chapter

  • 161(Repealed)
  • 162(Repealed)
  • 163(Repealed)
  • 164(Repealed)
  • 165(Repealed)
  • 165A(Repealed)
  • 166Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
  • 166APublic Servant disobeying direction under Law 1
  • 166BPunishment for non treatment of victim 1
  • 167Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury
  • 168Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade
  • 169Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property
  • 170Personating a public servant
  • 171Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
Previous · Section 167Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injuryNext · Section 169Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property