What is BNSS Section 31?

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Section 31: Public When to Assist Magistrates and Police

Every person is bound to assist a Magistrate or police officer reasonably demanding his aid—

• (a) in the taking or preventing the escape of any other person whom such Magistrate or police officer is authorised to arrest; or
• (b) in the prevention or suppression of a breach of the peace; or
• (c) in the prevention of any injury attempted to be committed to any public property.

Brief Detail

Section 31 mandates that the public has a duty to assist Magistrates or police officers when such assistance is reasonably required for arresting individuals, preventing peace disturbances, or stopping harm to public property.

Q1: In What Situations Is Public Assistance Required?

A: Public assistance is required in these cases:

• (1) Arresting or preventing the escape of a person whom the officer is authorized to arrest.
• (2) Suppressing or preventing breaches of the peace.
• (3) Preventing injury to public property.

Q2: Is There Any Obligation to Assist If the Demand Is Unreasonable?

A: No, the duty to assist applies only when the demand for help is reasonable.

Example

• Example 1: A police officer requests nearby citizens to help catch a thief escaping from a crime scene. The public is obligated to assist.
• Example 2: A Magistrate demands help from the public to stop a group of rioters damaging a government building. The public must comply.

Summary

Section 31 establishes the public's responsibility to assist Magistrates or police officers when reasonably requested, particularly during arrests, breach of peace situations, or attempts to damage public property.