What Is BNSS Section 171?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - 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.

Brefe Detail

This section empowers police officers to take immediate action to prevent any harm to public property or navigation markers. Officers can act on their own authority to intervene when they witness such attempts.

Question & Answers

Q1: What authority does a police officer have under Section 171?

A police officer has the authority to interpose and prevent injury to public property or landmarks in their view.

Q2: What types of property does this section cover?

It covers both movable and immovable public property, as well as public landmarks and navigation markers.

Q3: Can a police officer act without prior orders?

Yes, a police officer can act on their own authority without needing prior orders.

Example

- Scenario 1: A police officer sees someone vandalizing a public park bench. Under Section 171, the officer can intervene immediately to stop the vandalism.

- Scenario 2: An officer notices a person attempting to remove a buoy marking a navigational channel. The officer can interpose to prevent this action.

Summary

Section 171 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, allows police officers to take immediate action to protect public property and navigation markers from potential harm or removal, empowering them to act without prior authorization.