Section 222 of BNS : Section 222: Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is a local shopkeeper in a small town in India. One day, a police officer approaches Ravi and asks for his help in catching a thief who has just stolen a purse and is running through the market. Ravi, who is legally bound to assist the police officer, intentionally ignores the request and continues attending to his customers. Under Section 222 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to one month, or a fine up to two thousand and five hundred rupees, or both.

Example 2:

Meena is a resident of a village where a riot has broken out. A magistrate, who is legally competent to demand assistance, asks Meena to help in calming the situation and preventing further violence. Meena, despite being bound by law to assist, refuses to help and stays inside her house. Under Section 222(b) of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Meena can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both, because her assistance was demanded for the purpose of suppressing a riot.