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Section 211 — Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
211
211
Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter XIII Of Contempts of The Lawful Authority of Public Servants
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Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
Failure To InformPublic ServantMinor Offence
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 211 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with not telling a public servant something you are legally required to tell them. This means you have a duty to inform them, but you don't.
Why does this law exist? This law ensures people cooperate with public servants. It helps them do their jobs, like investigating crimes. It also helps prevent future crimes.
Real-life impact Imagine you know about a crime but don't tell the police. This law makes sure people share important information. It helps keep society safe.
What happens if you break this law? You could get simple imprisonment for up to one month. You might also have to pay a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both. If the information is about a crime, the punishment is more severe.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to six months, or fine up to ten thousand rupees, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul sees a suspicious package near a school but doesn't report it to the police, even though he is legally required to. He could face charges under Section 211. He could be imprisoned and fined. Amit knows about a planned robbery but doesn't inform the authorities. He could be punished.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Report any threats or coercion to the police immediately.
  • •Seek legal advice if you are unsure about your obligations.
  • •Document all communications and evidence related to the information.
  • •Understand the legal requirements for reporting information.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 211 of the BNS addresses the failure to provide required information to public servants. This includes not giving notice or information when legally obligated. The law aims to ensure cooperation with authorities. It helps in crime prevention and investigation. This section replaces the old Section 176 of IPC.
The punishment varies depending on the situation. For general omissions, you could face up to one month in jail and/or a fine of up to five thousand rupees. If the information relates to a crime, the punishment can be up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to ten thousand rupees. The police can arrest without a warrant.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replaces IPC)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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