You can resist arrest if you believe you're innocent.

The law does not allow resistance just because someone claims innocence; if the arrest is lawful, resisting it is a separate offence regardless of the person's guilt or innocence in the original case.

This section applies even if the arrest itself was illegal.

Courts have held that the apprehension or detention must be lawful for Section 224 to apply; resisting an unlawful or improperly conducted arrest does not fall under this provision.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 224

repealed

Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension

Whoever intentionally offers any resistance or illegal obstruction to the lawful apprehension of himself for any offence with which he is charged or of which he has been convicted, or escapes or attempts to escape from any custody in which he is lawfully detained for any such 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

The provision exists to protect the authority of law enforcement and the criminal justice process. Without such a rule, accused persons could physically prevent their own arrest or slip out of custody with no separate legal consequence beyond the original charge. Section 224 ensures that resisting a lawful arrest or fleeing custody is itself treated as a distinct offence, discouraging self-help resistance to the legal process and reinforcing that arrests, once lawfully made, must be respected.

How courts read it

Courts have generally emphasized that the apprehension or detention must be 'lawful' for this section to apply — if the arrest itself was illegal or without proper authority, resisting it does not attract this offence. Judicial interpretation has also drawn a distinction between mere non-cooperation (like refusing to move) and 'intentional resistance or obstruction,' which requires a deliberate physical or forceful act aimed at preventing the arrest, not just passive reluctance.

Common misconceptions

Myth: You can resist arrest if you believe you're innocent.
Fact: The law does not allow resistance just because someone claims innocence; if the arrest is lawful, resisting it is a separate offence regardless of the person's guilt or innocence in the original case.
Myth: This section applies even if the arrest itself was illegal.
Fact: Courts have held that the apprehension or detention must be lawful for Section 224 to apply; resisting an unlawful or improperly conducted arrest does not fall under this provision.