Section 169 of IPC : Section 169: Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ramesh is a government officer in the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai. The corporation decides to auction a piece of land in the city. As a public servant, Ramesh is legally prohibited from participating in the auction. However, Ramesh, wanting to acquire the land for himself, asks his friend Suresh to bid on his behalf. Suresh wins the auction and transfers the property to Ramesh. In this scenario, Ramesh has violated Section 169 of the Indian Penal Code by unlawfully bidding for the property through Suresh. Ramesh can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both, and the property will be confiscated.

Example 2:

Anita is a senior officer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of Karnataka. The PWD is auctioning off old machinery that is no longer in use. Anita, knowing that she is legally bound not to bid for the property, decides to participate in the auction under her brother's name. Her brother wins the bid, and the machinery is later transferred to Anita. Here, Anita has breached Section 169 of the Indian Penal Code by purchasing the property indirectly. Anita faces the risk of simple imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both, and the machinery will be confiscated.