Offences by prison-subordinates

Q: When did Section 54 of the Prisons Act come into force?

Section 54 of the Prisons Act, cited as Prisons Act 1894 54, came into force on 07 Jan 1894, having been enacted on 22 Mar 1894. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 07 Jan 1894 Act 9 of 1894 As on 17 Oct 2026

Act 9 of 1894 Ministry Home Affairs Enacted 22 Mar 1894 In force 07 Jan 1894

Section 54 of the Prisons Act, 1894 deals with offences by prison-subordinates. Every Jailor or officer of a prison subordinate to him who shall be guilty of any violation of duty or wilful breach or neglect of any rule or regulation or lawful order made by competent authority, or who shall withdraw from the duties of his office without permission, or without having given previ The Act came into force on 07 Jan 1894.

(1) Every Jailor or officer of a prison subordinate to him who shall be guilty of any violation of duty or wilful breach or neglect of any rule or regulation or lawful order made by competent authority, or who shall withdraw from the duties of his office without permission, or without having given previous notice in writing of his intention for the period of two months, or who shall wilfully overstay any leave granted to him, or who shall engage without authority in
any employment other than his prison-duty, or who shall be guilty of cowardice, shall be liable, on conviction before a Magistrate, to fine not exceeding two hundred rupees, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months, or to both.
(2) No person shall under this section be punished twice for the same offence.
Section 54, The Prisons Act, 1894 (Act 9 of 1894).

Questions about Section 54

What does Section 54 of the Prisons Act deal with?

Section 54 of the Prisons Act is headed "Offences by prison-subordinates". Every Jailor or officer of a prison subordinate to him who shall be guilty of any violation of duty or wilful breach or neglect of any rule or regulation or lawful order made by competent authority, or who shall withdraw from the duties of his office without permission, or without having given previ

How do I find court cases under Section 54 of the Prisons Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Prisons Act 1894 54, section 54 Prisons Act 1894, section 54 of the Prisons Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 54 of the Prisons Act come into force?

Section 54 of the Prisons Act, cited as Prisons Act 1894 54, came into force on 07 Jan 1894, having been enacted on 22 Mar 1894. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

46. Punishment of such offences729 words
59. Power to make rules665 words
3. Definitions538 words
48. Award of punishments under sections 46 and 47353 words
47. Plurality of punishments under section 46332 words
45. Prison-offences224 words

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.