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Section 216 — False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
216
216
False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
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
False StatementsPublic ServantsLegal ProceedingsOathModerate
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 216 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with lying under oath to a public servant. If you are sworn to tell the truth and you lie, you can be in trouble.
Why does this law exist? This law ensures people are honest when giving statements to officials. It helps maintain trust in the legal system. It prevents false information from misleading investigations.
Real-life impact This law affects court cases and official inquiries. If you lie in a police statement, you could face charges. It ensures the truth is told in important situations.
What happens if you break this law? You could be sent to jail for up to three years. You may also have to pay a fine. The police can arrest you without a warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul gives a false statement to the police about a car accident to protect his friend. He is under oath to tell the truth. This is a violation of Section 216. He could face jail time and a fine.
Sneha lies in court during a property dispute, providing false evidence. She is under oath. This is also a violation of Section 216. She could face imprisonment and a fine.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Tell the truth when under oath.
  • •Seek legal advice if you are accused of lying.
  • •Remember you have the right to remain silent.
  • •Request a lawyer if you are questioned by the police.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 216 of the BNS addresses the act of lying under oath to a public servant. It means if you are legally required to tell the truth and you knowingly make a false statement, you can be punished. This ensures honesty in legal proceedings and official inquiries. This section replaces the old law.
The punishment for lying under oath, as per Section 216 of the BNS, can be imprisonment for up to three years. You may also have to pay a fine. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the lie and the context in which it was told. The police can arrest you 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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