Section 172: Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding

Whoever absconds in order to avoid being served with a summons, notice or order, proceeding from any public servant legally competent, as such public servant, to issue such summons, notice or order, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both;

or, if the summons or notice or order is to attend in person or by agent, or to 1[produce a document or an electronic record in a Court of Justice], with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE

Para I

Punishment—Simple imprisonment for 1 month, or fine of 500 rupees, or both—Non-cognizable—Bailable—Triable by any Magis­trate—Non-compoundable.

Para II

Punishment—Simple imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both—Non-cognizable—Bailable—Triable by any Magistrate—Non-compoundable.

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1. Subs. by Act 21 of 2000, sec. 91 and Sch. I, for “produce a document in a Court of Justice” (w.e.f. 17-10-2000).