BNS Section 214 – Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 179
Understanding BNS-214: Refusing to Answer Public Servant Authorized to Question
When legally bound to state the truth, refusing to answer questions from a public servant or authorized person is a serious offense. BNS-214 is a legal provision that penalizes individuals who refuse to answer questions or provide false statements under oath or affirmation. Let’s break this down in simple terms.
What is BNS-214?
BNS-214 is a law that punishes individuals who, after being legally bound by an oath or affirmation to state the truth, refuse to answer questions or provide false statements to a public servant or authorized person. This ensures that individuals cooperate in legal and administrative processes.
Key Elements of BNS-214
To understand this law, let’s look at its main components:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Obligation | The person must be legally bound by an oath or affirmation to state the truth. |
| Refusal or False Statement | The person must either refuse to answer questions or provide a false statement. |
| Authorized Public Servant | The questions must be asked by a public servant or person authorized by law. |
Punishment Under BNS-214
If someone is found guilty of this offense, they can face the following punishments:
| Punishment | Details |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | Up to 6 months. |
| Fine | Up to ₹5,000. |
| Both | The court may order both imprisonment and a fine. |
Legal Procedure for BNS-214
Here’s how the legal process works for this offense:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cognizable or Non-cognizable | Non-cognizable (police cannot arrest without a warrant). |
| Bailable or Non-bailable | Bailable (the accused can seek bail). |
| Court Jurisdiction | The case is tried by the court where the offense is committed or by any Magistrate. |
Why is BNS-214 Important?
This law is crucial for the following reasons:
- Ensures Cooperation: It ensures that individuals cooperate in legal and administrative processes by answering questions truthfully.
- Maintains Integrity: It upholds the integrity of legal proceedings by ensuring that individuals provide accurate information.
- Protects Public Trust: It ensures that legal processes are respected and followed, maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Key Takeaways
- BNS-214 applies to individuals who refuse to answer questions or provide false statements after being legally bound by an oath or affirmation.
- The offense involves intentionally refusing to cooperate or providing false information.
- Punishment includes up to 6 months imprisonment, a ₹5,000 fine, or both.
- The case is non-cognizable, bailable, and tried by the court where the offense is committed or by any Magistrate.
Example Scenario
Let’s take an example to understand this better:
- Case: A person is legally bound by an oath to answer questions from a government officer but intentionally refuses to respond or provides false information.
- Outcome: The person can face up to 6 months imprisonment, a ₹5,000 fine, or both.
Final Thoughts
BNS-214 is an important law that ensures individuals cooperate in legal and administrative processes by answering questions truthfully. If you ever come across someone refusing to comply with such a requirement, remember that the law is there to address such misconduct.
