Mere Knowledge of Offender's Whereabouts Not 'Harbouring' Unless Assistance Given to Evade Arrest: Punjab and Haryana High Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in a significant ruling, clarified the legal scope of Section 212 IPC and Section 216 IPC, both of which relate to the offence of harbouring a criminal. The Court held that mere knowledge of the whereabouts of an offender is not sufficient to constitute an offence under these provisions. There must be clear proof that the accused helped the offender evade arrest or legal…