Section 231Giving or Fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment
231
231
Giving or Fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter XIV Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
False EvidencePerjurySerious OffenceCriminal Justice
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 231 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with giving or creating false evidence to get someone convicted of a serious crime.
Why does this law exist? It's to protect people from being wrongly accused and punished for crimes they didn't commit. It ensures fairness in the legal system.
Real-life impact Imagine someone lying in court to frame another person. This law prevents such actions. It safeguards the innocent.
What happens if you break this law? You could face the same punishment as if you committed the crime the person was falsely accused of. This could mean jail time, potentially for life. Police can arrest without warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to life, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Rahul falsely accuses Amit of a bank robbery, providing fake evidence to the police. If Amit is convicted based on this false evidence, Rahul faces the same punishment as a bank robber. Sneha fabricates evidence to frame her neighbor for a crime. She could face imprisonment.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • Seek legal counsel immediately if accused.
  • Gather evidence to prove your innocence.
  • Report any threats or coercion to the police.
  • Exercise your right to remain silent.
  • Request legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer (Article 39A).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 231 of BNS addresses the act of providing false evidence to wrongly convict someone of a serious crime. It means if you give fake evidence to get someone jailed for a long time, you could face the same punishment as if you committed the crime yourself. This law aims to protect innocent people from false accusations and ensure justice.
The punishment under Section 231 depends on the crime the person was falsely accused of. If the false evidence leads to a conviction for a crime punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment for seven years or more, the person providing the false evidence faces the same punishment. This could include a long jail sentence.
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?