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Practice paper — IPC Chapter 8 — Offences Against The Public Tranquillity

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1.Under the provision, what is the minimum number of persons required for an assembly to be considered under the definition of an "unlawful assembly"?
- (A) Five or more persons
- (B) Three or more persons
- (C) Seven or more persons
- (D) Two or more persons
2.Can an assembly of four persons be designated an "unlawful assembly" under this provision as it is worded?
- (A) Yes, assemblies of any size may be designated unlawful
- (B) Yes, if they have a violent common object
- (C) No, because the provision specifies five or more persons
- (D) Only if declared unlawful by a magistrate
3.According to the exact wording of the provision, which statement correctly captures when an assembly is designated an "unlawful assembly"?
- (A) An assembly of five or more persons is designated unlawful only when the persons composing it share a common object
- (B) Any assembly of five or more persons is unlawful by virtue of its size alone
- (C) Any assembly of any size with a common object is unlawful
- (D) An assembly is unlawful only if every member personally commits an offence
4.If a person joins an assembly but is unaware of facts that make it unlawful, are they a 'member of an unlawful assembly' under Section 142 IPC?
- (A) Yes, mere joining makes them a member
- (B) No, awareness of facts rendering the assembly unlawful is required
- (C) Yes, if they intended to commit an offence later
- (D) No, unless they remain for more than an hour
5.If someone, aware that an assembly is unlawful, intentionally joins it but immediately leaves upon joining, are they a 'member of an unlawful assembly' under Section 142 IPC?
- (A) No, because they did not continue in the assembly
- (B) Yes, because intentionally joining the assembly suffices regardless of duration
- (C) No, unless they committed an offence while present
- (D) Yes, but only if they joined with an intent to commit violence
6.What is the maximum term of imprisonment that Section 143 IPC prescribes?
- (A) Three months
- (B) One year
- (C) Six months
- (D) Two years
7.Which of the following best describes the form of imprisonment authorised by Section 143 IPC?
- (A) Imprisonment of either description (simple or rigorous)
- (B) Only simple imprisonment
- (C) Only rigorous imprisonment
- (D) The section does not specify the description of imprisonment
8.What is the maximum term of imprisonment provided by this section for being a member of an unlawful assembly while armed with a deadly weapon?
- (A) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
- (B) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years
- (C) Imprisonment for life
- (D) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years
9.Does mere membership of an unlawful assembly, without being armed with a deadly weapon or such an object, attract punishment under this section?
- (A) Yes — membership alone is sufficient
- (B) No — the person must be armed with a deadly weapon or with an object likely to cause death when used as a weapon
- (C) Yes, but only if the assembly is unlawful and violent
- (D) Only if a police order under Section 144 was in force
10.Which of the following best describes the conduct made punishable by Section 145 IPC as quoted?
- (A) Joining or continuing in an unlawful assembly while knowing it has been commanded to disperse
- (B) Forming an unlawful assembly regardless of any order to disperse
- (C) Commanding an unlawful assembly to disperse
- (D) Inciting an unlawful assembly to commit a crime
11.Is mere presence in an unlawful assembly sufficient for punishment under this provision, or is a mental element required?
- (A) Mere presence is sufficient regardless of knowledge
- (B) A mental element is required: the person must know the assembly was commanded to disperse
- (C) Only intention to commit further offences is required, not knowledge of any command
- (D) No mental element is required if the assembly is unlawful
12.Under Section 146 IPC, which offence is committed whenever force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof, in prosecution of the common object of such assembly?
- (A) Rioting
- (B) Unlawful assembly
- (C) Assault
- (D) Criminal conspiracy
13.If a single member of an unlawful assembly alone uses force in prosecution of the assembly’s common object, who is liable under Section 146 IPC?
- (A) Only that member who used force
- (B) Only those who actually used force
- (C) Every member of such assembly
- (D) Only the leader of the assembly
14.If a person who is not a member of an unlawful assembly uses force to further that assembly’s common object, are the members of the assembly necessarily guilty of rioting under Section 146 IPC?
- (A) No; Section 146 requires the force to be used by the unlawful assembly or by a member thereof
- (B) Yes; members are guilty because force was used in prosecution of the common object
- (C) Yes, but only if the non-member acted with the assembly’s consent
- (D) Members would be liable only for other offences but not rioting
15.Which of the following best describes the forms of punishment Section 147 IPC authorises for rioting?
- (A) Only imprisonment (of one fixed description)
- (B) Only a fine
- (C) Imprisonment of either description, or fine, or both
- (D) Community service only
16.May a court impose rigorous imprisonment for eighteen months and also impose a fine for rioting under Section 147 IPC?
- (A) No — if imprisonment is rigorous, a fine cannot be added
- (B) No — rigorous imprisonment is barred by the provision
- (C) Yes — the provision allows imprisonment of either description up to two years and also allows a fine (or both)
- (D) Yes — but only if the imprisonment is reduced to under twelve months
17.Which of the following elements is expressly required by Section 148 IPC?
- (A) Rioting while armed with a deadly weapon or with anything which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death
- (B) Conviction for murder
- (C) Use of a firearm during the riot
- (D) Mandatory life sentence on conviction
18.Which of the following punishments is expressly provided for in Section 148 IPC?
- (A) Imprisonment up to three years only
- (B) Fine only
- (C) Either imprisonment or fine but not both
- (D) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both
19.Does Section 149 IPC require that each accused must have personally committed the offence to be guilty under this section?
- (A) Yes — personal commission by each accused is required.
- (B) No — personal commission is not required if the offence was committed in prosecution of the common object or was known to be likely and the person was a member at the time.
- (C) Yes — unless the accused was the leader of the assembly.
- (D) Yes — unless the accused expressly dissociated from the assembly before the offence.
20.If an offence committed by one member was not itself the common object but was an act that the members knew was likely to be committed in prosecution of that object, are all members present at the time guilty under Section 149 IPC?
- (A) No — only those who actually committed the offence are guilty.
- (B) No — liability attaches only where the offence is exactly the common object.
- (C) Yes — but only if each member personally foresaw that specific offence.
- (D) Yes — the section covers offences that members "knew to be likely to be committed in prosecution of that object," making present members guilty.
21.Which of the following acts is specifically made punishable by Section 150, IPC?
- (A) Hiring or engaging any person to join an unlawful assembly.
- (B) Merely attending an unlawful assembly.
- (C) Inciting an unlawful assembly without hiring anyone.
- (D) Being a passive member of an unlawful assembly.
22.A hires B to join an unlawful assembly but A does not himself join. Under Section 150, is A punishable as a member of the unlawful assembly?
- (A) No, since A did not become a member.
- (B) Only if A had promoted the assembly.
- (C) Yes, A is punishable as a member of such unlawful assembly even if he did not personally join.
- (D) Yes, but only for conspiracy and not for offences committed by B.
23.Under Section 151 IPC, an "assembly" for the purpose of this offence consists of a minimum of how many persons?
- (A) Three or more persons
- (B) Five or more persons
- (C) Ten or more persons
- (D) Two or more persons
24.Does Section 151 apply to an assembly that is not likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace?
- (A) Yes — any assembly qualifies
- (B) Only if the police are present
- (C) Only if members are armed
- (D) No — it applies only to assemblies likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace
25.If the order to disperse was not a lawful command, does Section 151 still apply?
- (A) Yes — any command to disperse is sufficient
- (B) No — the assembly must have been lawfully commanded to disperse for the section to apply
- (C) Only if the commander reasonably believed it was necessary
- (D) Only if a majority of the assembly refused to disperse
26.Does Section 152 IPC apply if a person assaults a public servant who is not acting "in the discharge of his duty as such public servant" and is not endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly or suppress a riot or affray?
- (A) No, the provision requires the public servant to be in the discharge of his duty endeavouring to disperse or suppress
- (B) Yes, the provision applies to any assault on a public servant regardless of context
- (C) Only if the assault involved criminal force
- (D) Only if the offender also obstructed the public servant
27.Which of the following is NOT a required element for liability under Section 152 IPC?
- (A) The accused assaults, threatens to assault, obstructs, or attempts to obstruct the public servant, or uses/threatens/attempts to use criminal force
- (B) The public servant is acting in the discharge of his duty while endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly or to suppress a riot or affray
- (C) The accused must have succeeded in dispersing the unlawful assembly or in preventing the suppression of the riot
- (D) The punishment may extend to three years' imprisonment, or fine, or both
28.Which mental element regarding the actor's awareness is explicitly required by Section 153 IPC?
- (A) Negligence that provocation might cause rioting
- (B) Recklessness about the consequences
- (C) Intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause the offence of rioting
- (D) Strict liability without regard to mental state
29.Which of the following accurately states the elements required for liability under Section 153 IPC?
- (A) Liability arises whenever provocation is given, regardless of whether the act was illegal or the actor's intention.
- (B) Liability requires only that rioting actually occurred; mens rea and illegality of the provoking act are irrelevant.
- (C) Liability requires malignantly or wantonly doing something illegal that gives provocation, together with intending or knowing it likely to cause rioting; punishment is greater if rioting is actually committed.
- (D) Liability attaches only if the actor both intended and also knew that rioting would be the result.
30.Which of the following scenarios would fall within clause (c) of Section 153A (organizing/participating in exercises/drills)?
- (A) A person organizes drills intending that participants be trained to use criminal force against a religious group, and the drills cause fear or alarm among members of that group
- (B) A person organizes a parade with no intent to train in violence, and it does not cause fear among any group
- (C) A person unknowingly organizes an activity that later leads to disturbance, but at the time had no knowledge it would train participants in criminal force
- (D) A person organizes a non-violent cultural exercise that unintentionally alarms another community
31.Regarding clause (c) of Section 153A, which of the following formulations correctly states the requirements for punishment under that clause?
- (A) Either intention/knowledge to train participants in criminal force OR the activity causes fear among the target group (one is sufficient)
- (B) Only that the activity causes fear or alarm among members of the target group (intent irrelevant)
- (C) Both that the organiser/participant intends or knows participants will be trained/use criminal force or violence, and that the activity causes or is likely to cause fear or alarm among the target group
- (D) Only intention/knowledge to train participants in criminal force is required; causing fear is not necessary
32.What is the maximum fine that Section 153AA IPC allows for the offence?
- (A) One thousand rupees
- (B) Five hundred rupees
- (C) Two thousand rupees
- (D) Five thousand rupees
33.If a person knowingly carries arms in a procession but is acting in compliance with a public notice or order under section 144A CrPC, is that person punishable under Section 153AA IPC?
- (A) Yes, compliance with the notice/order is irrelevant
- (B) No, the section applies only to acts done in contravention of a section 144A notice/order
- (C) Yes, but only if the procession is in a public place
- (D) No, unless the arms are unlicensed
34.What is the maximum punishment prescribed under sub‑section (1) of Section 153B for committing an offence under that sub‑section?
- (A) Imprisonment which may extend to one year
- (B) Imprisonment which may extend to three years
- (C) Imprisonment which may extend to five years
- (D) Imprisonment which may extend to seven years
35.Under Section 153B(1)(3), a person publishes an appeal about the obligations of a religious community but the statement neither "causes" nor is "likely to cause" disharmony or ill‑will. Is this conduct an offence under that specific clause?
- (A) Yes — any appeal concerning obligations of a class is penalised under clause (3)
- (B) No — clause (3) requires that the assertion, counsel, plea or appeal "causes or is likely to cause" disharmony or enmity
- (C) Only if the appeal also advises denial of rights under clause (2)
- (D) Only if published in a public medium
36.What is the maximum fine prescribed for the owner or occupier of land (or a person having or claiming an interest in such land) under Section 154 when the conditions of the section are met?
- (A) Fine not exceeding one thousand rupees
- (B) Fine not exceeding five hundred rupees
- (C) Fine not exceeding two thousand rupees
- (D) Imprisonment only, no fine
37.Under Section 154, when is a person who "has reason to believe" that an unlawful assembly is likely to be committed required to act?
- (A) Only to inform the local magistrate, not the police
- (B) There is no duty unless they actually see the offence being committed
- (C) They must only give notice; preventing the offence is not required
- (D) They must use all lawful means in their power to prevent it and give the earliest notice
38.Under Section 155 IPC, which of the following best describes a person who can be punished?
- (A) Any member of the unlawful assembly who took part in committing the riot.
- (B) A person (owner/occupier or one claiming interest) for whose benefit the riot was committed if he or his agent/manager, having reason to believe it was likely, did not use all lawful means to prevent or suppress it.
- (C) Only the agent or manager who was physically present at the riot.
- (D) Any person who verbally encouraged the riot, regardless of connection with the land.
39.If a person has accepted or derived benefit from a riot but neither he nor his agent or manager 'had reason to believe' that such riot was likely to be committed beforehand, can he be punished under Section 155?
- (A) No, because punishment under Section 155 requires that he or his agent/manager had reason to believe the riot was likely and failed to act.
- (B) Yes, acceptance of benefit alone is sufficient for punishment under Section 155.
- (C) Yes, but only if the benefit was substantial in value.
- (D) No, unless the person was also the occupier of the land where the riot occurred.
40.A riot was committed and benefited a person who claims interest in a parcel of land that is unrelated to the dispute which gave rise to the riot. Does Section 155 apply to punish that person?
- (A) Yes — any person who benefits from a riot is covered by Section 155 regardless of connection to the land or dispute.
- (B) No — Section 155 applies only where the riot was committed for the benefit of a person who is owner/occupier of the land respecting which the riot takes place, or who claims interest in that land or in the subject of the dispute which gave rise to the riot.
- (C) Yes — if the person accepted any benefit after the riot, he is automatically punishable.
- (D) No — Section 155 never applies to persons who claim interest in land; it applies only to occupiers.
41.A riot is committed and it benefits a person who "has accepted or derived any benefit therefrom." If the agent of that person had reason to believe the riot was likely and did not use lawful means to prevent it, is the agent punishable under Section 156 IPC?
- (A) Yes, the agent is punishable with fine
- (B) No, acceptance of benefit alone does not attract liability
- (C) Only if the person was the owner of the land where the riot occurred
- (D) Only if the agent actively participated in the riot
42.Which combination of facts must be proved to impose liability on an agent under Section 156 IPC?
- (A) That a riot benefited an owner and that the agent informed the police
- (B) That the agent had reason to believe a riot or unlawful assembly was likely and he did not use all lawful means to prevent or disperse it
- (C) That the agent intended to profit from the riot and the riot occurred
- (D) That the owner ordered the riot and the agent was present at the scene
43.What is the maximum term of imprisonment provided by Section 157 of the IPC?
- (A) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months
- (B) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year
- (C) Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months
- (D) No imprisonment, only fine
44.Would harbouring persons who are already members of an unlawful assembly necessarily fall within Section 157 as written?
- (A) Yes — any harbouring of members of an unlawful assembly is covered
- (B) No — Section 157 targets persons hired, engaged or about to be hired to join or become members, not expressly those already members
- (C) Yes — but only if they were previously hired to join the assembly
- (D) No — harbouring members is covered only if the premises are public property
45.What is the maximum term of imprisonment prescribed by Section 158?
- (A) One year
- (B) Three months
- (C) Six months
- (D) Two years
46.If a person is hired to assist in acts specified in section 141 but ultimately does not perform those acts, can they still be punished under Section 158?
- (A) Only if they received payment
- (B) Only if they were convicted under another section
- (C) Yes, being hired or engaged to do or assist is itself punishable under Section 158
- (D) No, punishment attaches only if the acts are actually committed
47.Which of the following best describes the offence of 'affray' under Section 159?
- (A) When two or more persons, by fighting in a public place, disturb the public peace.
- (B) When a single person creates a disturbance in a public place.
- (C) Any private fight that causes injury to participants.
- (D) A lawful public demonstration by more than two persons.
48.Three persons get into a violent fight inside a private house, and noise from the fight disturbs neighbours outside. According to the provision, does this constitute an affray?
- (A) Yes, because the public peace is disturbed.
- (B) Yes, because three persons were involved.
- (C) No, because affray only applies to fights involving two persons.
- (D) No, because the fighting did not occur in a public place as required by the provision.
49.What is the maximum term of imprisonment that Section 160 of the IPC prescribes for committing an affray?
- (A) Six months
- (B) One month
- (C) One week
- (D) One year
50.Which of the following sentences would exceed the punishment limits prescribed by Section 160 IPC?
- (A) Imprisonment for one month and fine of Rs. 100
- (B) Imprisonment for 20 days
- (C) Fine of Rs. 150
- (D) Both 15 days imprisonment and fine of Rs. 50

Answer key

1. A2. C3. A4. B5. B6. C7. A8. A9. B10. A11. B12. A13. C14. A15. C16. C17. A18. D19. B20. D21. A22. C23. B24. D25. B26. A27. C28. C29. C30. A31. C32. C33. B34. B35. B36. A37. D38. B39. A40. B41. A42. B43. A44. B45. C46. C47. A48. D49. B50. C

Explanations

1. (A) The provision begins, "An assembly of five or more persons is designated an 'unlawful assembly'...", so the minimum number specified is five persons. The wording explicitly refers to assemblies of five or more.
2. (C) The provision specifically refers to "An assembly of five or more persons...". Therefore, as worded, assemblies of fewer than five persons (for example four) are not covered by this particular definition.
3. (A) The provision states: "An assembly of five or more persons is designated an 'unlawful assembly', if the common object of the persons composing that assembly is:...". This shows the assembly must be both of five or more persons and have a common object for the designation to apply.
4. (B) Section 142 requires the person to be "being aware of facts which render any assembly an unlawful assembly" and to intentionally join or continue. Without the required awareness, the definition is not satisfied.
5. (B) Section 142 states that one who, "being aware of facts which render any assembly an unlawful assembly, intentionally joins that assembly, or continues in it, is said to be a member." The provision expressly includes intentionally joining as sufficient, so brief joining still qualifies.
6. (C) The provision states punishment by 'imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months', so the maximum term specified is six months.
7. (A) The provision expressly refers to 'imprisonment of either description', indicating that either form of imprisonment (simple or rigorous) is authorised by the text.
8. (A) The provision states the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both." Hence the maximum term of imprisonment specified is two years.
9. (B) The section requires that the person be "being armed with any deadly weapon, or with anything which... is likely to cause death," and also be a member of an unlawful assembly. Mere membership without being so armed is not covered by this provision.
10. (A) The provision criminalises ‘‘whoever joins or continues in an unlawful assembly, knowing that such unlawful assembly has been commanded … to disperse’’. It therefore targets joining or remaining in the assembly with knowledge of a lawful command to disperse.
11. (B) The provision requires that the person joins or continues in the unlawful assembly ‘‘knowing that such unlawful assembly has been commanded … to disperse’’. Thus knowledge of the dispersal command is an essential mental element.
12. (A) The provision states that whenever force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof, in prosecution of the common object of such assembly, "every member of such assembly is guilty of the offence of rioting." Thus the offence defined is rioting.
13. (C) The provision expressly states that whenever force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof, in prosecution of the common object, "every member of such assembly is guilty of the offence of rioting." Therefore all members are guilty even if only one member used the force.
14. (A) Section 146 specifies force or violence must be used "by an unlawful assembly, or by any member thereof," in prosecution of the common object. If the force is used by a non-member, the condition in the provision is not fulfilled, so Section 146 does not automatically make the members guilty.
15. (C) The provision expressly provides punishment "with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both." It therefore authorises imprisonment (either description), a fine, or both together.
16. (C) Section 147 authorises "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both," so the court may impose imprisonment of either description (e.g. rigorous) for up to two years and may also impose a fine simultaneously.
17. (A) Section 148 begins with "Whoever is guilty of rioting, being armed with a deadly weapon or with anything which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death." This language makes rioting while so armed the essential element.
18. (D) Section 148 states the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both." Thus imprisonment, a fine, or both are all available punishments.
19. (B) The section makes every person who is a member of the assembly at the time guilty when an offence is committed in prosecution of the common object or such as members knew to be likely; it does not require that each member personally committed the offence. Personal commission is therefore not a prerequisite under this provision.
20. (D) The provision explicitly includes offences "such as the members of that assembly knew to be likely to be committed in prosecution of that object." Therefore, if the offence was one the members knew was likely, every person who was a member at the time is guilty under Section 149.
21. (A) Section 150 expressly penalises whoever hires, engages, employs, promotes or connives at the hiring, engagement or employment of any person to join or become a member of any unlawful assembly. The provision does not say mere attendance or mere incitement without hiring is covered.
22. (C) Section 150 makes anyone who hires or engages another to join an unlawful assembly punishable as a member of that assembly. The text does not require the hirer himself to have joined; punishment as a member is imposed by virtue of the hiring or engagement.
23. (B) The provision refers to "any assembly of five or more persons"; therefore the minimum number required is five persons. Assemblies with fewer than five persons do not fall within this section.
24. (D) The offence is limited to "any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace." If an assembly is not likely to cause such a disturbance, the textual requirement is not satisfied. Thus the section does not apply to assemblies lacking that likelihood.
25. (B) The section specifies punishment for joining or continuing in an assembly "after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse." Lawfulness of the command is therefore an element; if the command was not lawful the textual prerequisite is not met and the section does not apply.
26. (A) The provision applies to assaulting or obstructing a public servant "in the discharge of his duty as such public servant, in endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray." Therefore the public servant must be acting in that duty and context for Section 152 to apply.
27. (C) Section 152 requires the prohibited conduct and that the public servant be "in the discharge of his duty ... endeavouring to disperse an unlawful assembly, or to suppress a riot or affray." It prescribes punishment up to three years or fine. It does not require that the accused succeed in dispersing the assembly or preventing suppression; success is not mentioned as an element.
28. (C) The section requires that the actor gives provocation "intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause the offence of rioting to be committed," so either intention or knowledge is specified.
29. (C) Section 153 requires that one "malignantly, or wantonly by doing anything which is illegal, gives provocation" and does so "intending or knowing it to be likely" to cause rioting; it then prescribes harsher punishment if rioting is committed as a consequence.
30. (A) Clause (c) penalizes organizing or participating in exercises intending or knowing participants will be trained to use criminal force or violence "and such activity for any reason whatsoever causes or is likely to cause fear or alarm or a feeling of insecurity". The correct scenario includes the intent/knowledge to train in violence and the activity causing fear.
31. (C) Clause (c) specifies organizing/participating "intending that the participants ... shall use or be trained to use criminal force or violence or knowing it to be likely" and further that "such activity ... causes or is likely to cause fear or alarm." Both the mental element and the causal effect (cause or likelihood of fear) are set out in the provision.
32. (C) The provision specifies punishment "with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees." Hence the maximum fine is Rs. 2,000.
33. (B) Section 153AA penalises those who act "in contravention of any public notice or order issued or made under section 144A." If the person is complying with the notice/order, there is no contravention and the section does not apply.
34. (B) Sub‑section (1) states the offender "shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both." Therefore the maximum imprisonment under sub‑section (1) is three years.
35. (B) Clause (3) of sub‑section (1) criminalises making or publishing an assertion, counsel, plea or appeal concerning the obligation of a class "and such assertion, counsel, plea or appeal causes or is likely to cause disharmony or feelings of enmity or hatred or ill‑will." The causation or likelihood element is therefore required for clause (3) to apply.
36. (A) Section 154 states such person "shall be punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees." The provision specifies a monetary fine limit and does not provide for imprisonment under this section.
37. (D) The section provides that if a person has "reason to believe it is likely to be committed," they must "use all lawful means in his or their power to prevent it" and also give the earliest notice to the principal officer at the nearest police-station. Both prevention and notice duties are imposed when there is reason to believe of impending commission.
38. (B) Section 155 punishes a person for whose benefit a riot is committed (owner/occupier or one claiming interest) if he or his agent or manager, having reason to believe the riot was likely, did not use all lawful means to prevent or disperse it. The provision targets persons with such a connection and a duty to act, not merely all participants or encouragers.
39. (A) Section 155 requires that the person 'or his agent or manager, having reason to believe that such riot was likely to be committed ... shall not respectively use all lawful means' to prevent or suppress it. Mere acceptance of benefit does not trigger punishment unless the reason-to-believe plus failure-to-act condition is satisfied.
40. (B) Section 155 applies when the riot is committed 'for the benefit or on behalf of any person who is the owner or occupier of any land respecting which such riot takes place or who claims any interest in such land, or in the subject of any dispute which gave rise to the riot.' If the person's claimed interest is in a different, unrelated parcel, the section does not apply.
41. (A) The provision expressly includes persons "who has accepted or derived any benefit therefrom," and makes the agent punishable if he, having reason to believe a riot was likely, "shall not use all lawful means in his power to prevent such riot." Thus the agent is punishable with a fine under those conditions.
42. (B) The section requires proof that the agent, "having reason to believe that such riot was likely... or that the unlawful assembly... was likely to be held," "shall not use all lawful means in his power to prevent such riot... and for suppressing and dispersing the same." Both the belief and the failure to use lawful means must be shown.
43. (A) The provision states punishment as "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both." Thus the maximum specified term of imprisonment is six months.
44. (B) Section 157 criminalises harbouring persons "knowing that such persons have been hired, engaged or employed, or are about to be hired... to join or become members of an unlawful assembly." The provision focuses on persons hired/engaged to join or become members, and does not by its text expressly cover harbouring of persons simply because they are already members.
45. (C) Section 158 provides punishment with "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months." Thus the maximum imprisonment term under this section is six months.
46. (C) Section 158 punishes "whoever is engaged, or hired... to do or assist in doing any of the acts specified in section 141." The provision penalises being engaged or hired to do or assist, so non-performance does not remove liability under this section.
47. (A) Section 159 states: "When two or more persons, by fighting in a public place, disturb the public peace, they are said to 'commit an affray'." The provision requires two or more persons, fighting, in a public place, and disturbance of the public peace.
48. (D) Section 159 specifies the fighting must be "in a public place." Even if the disturbance reaches the public, the provision requires the fighting to occur in a public place; fighting inside a private house therefore does not meet that element.
49. (B) Section 160 states the punishment may extend to one month: "imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month." Thus the maximum term is one month.
50. (C) Section 160 caps the fine at Rs. 100: "with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees." A fine of Rs. 150 exceeds that statutory limit and thus would go beyond the section's prescribed punishment.