Official Text
“Whoever, being a public servant, intentionally delays or causes delay in any official action without reasonable cause, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Being public servant.
- Intentionally delaying action.
- Without reasonable cause.
Potential Defenses:
- Not a public servant.
- No intentional delay.
- Reasonable cause for delay.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Government officials intentionally delaying approvals, public servants causing unnecessary delays, officials procrastinating official duties.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Reasonable delays, legitimate processing time, or lawful postponements.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 1 year, or Fine, or both