Section 4 of PDP Act : Section 4: Mischief Causing Damage To Public Property By Fire Or Explosive Substance

Explanation using Example

Imagine a situation where an individual, in a fit of rage during a protest, throws a Molotov cocktail at a government-owned bus, causing it to catch fire. This act of vandalism falls under the category of damaging public property using an explosive substance. According to Section 4 of The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, this individual would face a mandatory rigorous imprisonment of at least one year, which could extend up to ten years, along with a fine. However, if there are special circumstances, the judge has the discretion to record these reasons in the judgment and potentially reduce the sentence to less than one year.