212
212
Furnishing False information
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter XIII Of Contempts of The Lawful Authority of Public Servants
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 yearsFalse InformationPublic ServantModerate Offence
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say?
Section 212 of the BNS is about giving false information to a public servant. If you are legally required to give information, you can't lie.
Why does this law exist?
This law makes sure public servants get accurate information. It helps them make correct decisions. It prevents them from being misled.
Real-life impact
Imagine you lie to the police about a crime. This law makes sure people tell the truth. It helps the justice system work fairly. It protects innocent people.
What happens if you break this law?
You could get simple imprisonment for up to six months. You might also have to pay a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both. If the false information is about a crime, the punishment is more severe.
⚖️ Punishment
Imprisonment up to two years, or fine, or both.
💡 Real Life Example
Priya falsely reports a theft to the police to claim insurance money. She could be charged under Section 212. She could face jail time and a fine. Sneha lies to the police about a road rage incident to protect her friend. She could be punished.
🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
- •Refuse to answer questions if you are unsure of the facts.
- •Seek legal counsel before making any statements to the police.
- •Ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful.
- •Understand the potential consequences of providing false information.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 212 of the BNS deals with providing false information to public servants. This includes lying when you are legally required to provide information. The law aims to ensure accuracy in official proceedings. This section replaces the old Section 177 of IPC.
The bailability depends on the nature of the false information. For general false information, it might be bailable. However, if the false information relates to a serious crime, it could be non-bailable. The police can arrest without a warrant in some cases.
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.
Was this helpful?