You can't be punished for helping a friend or family member escape arrest — only the original criminal is liable.

Under this section, anyone who intentionally obstructs a lawful arrest or helps someone escape lawful custody can be separately punished, regardless of their relationship to that person.

Any interference with police automatically counts as an offence under this section.

The obstruction must be 'illegal' and the apprehension must be 'lawful' — resisting an unlawful or wrongful arrest does not fall under this provision.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 225

repealed

Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person

Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of any other person for an offence, or rescues or attempts to rescue any other person from any custody in which that person is lawfully detained for an offence, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both;§

Why this exists

This provision is part of a set of IPC sections dealing with offences against public justice, especially interference with law enforcement. Colonial-era lawmakers wanted to ensure that once police had the legal right to arrest or detain someone, third parties could not obstruct that process or free the person by force or trickery. It protects the state's ability to enforce criminal law effectively.

Common misconceptions

Myth: You can't be punished for helping a friend or family member escape arrest — only the original criminal is liable.
Fact: Under this section, anyone who intentionally obstructs a lawful arrest or helps someone escape lawful custody can be separately punished, regardless of their relationship to that person.
Myth: Any interference with police automatically counts as an offence under this section.
Fact: The obstruction must be 'illegal' and the apprehension must be 'lawful' — resisting an unlawful or wrongful arrest does not fall under this provision.