Penal Code · 2021 Revised Edition · Chapter XVI
351. Assault
Official textFrom Attorney General's Chambers, unchanged
Whoever makes any gesture or any preparation, intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any present to apprehend that he who makes that gesture or preparation is about to use criminal force to that person. is said to commit an "assault".
Explanation -
Mere words do not amount to an assault, but the words which a person uses may give to his gestures or preparations such a meaning as may make those gestures or preparations amount to an assault.
A shakes his fist at Z, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may there cause Z to believe that A is about to strike Z. A has committed an assault.
A begins to unloose the muzzle of a ferocious dog intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe that he is about to cause the dog to attack Z.
A has committed an assault upon Z.
A takes up a stick, saying to Z, "I will give you a beating". Here, though the words used by A could in no case amount to an assault, and though the mere gesture unaccompanied by any other circumstances might not amount to an assault, the gesture explained by the words may amount to an assault.
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Offences Relating to Documents, False Documents and Currency Notes and Bank Notes
Chapter XIX
Criminal Breach of Contracts of Service
Chapter XX
Offences Relating to Marriage
Chapter XXI
Defamation
Chapter XXII
Criminal Intimidation, Insult and Annoyance
Chapter XXIII