BNS Section 216 – False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 181
Understanding BNS-216: False Statement on Oath or Affirmation to Public Servant
Making a false statement under oath or affirmation to a public servant or authorized person is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of legal processes. BNS-216 is a legal provision that penalizes individuals who knowingly provide false information under oath. Let’s break this down in simple terms.
What is BNS-216?
BNS-216 is a law that punishes individuals who, after being legally bound by an oath or affirmation to state the truth, knowingly provide false information to a public servant or authorized person. This ensures the integrity of legal and administrative processes.
Key Elements of BNS-216
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. |
| False Statement | The person must knowingly provide false information. |
| Public Servant or Authorized Person | The false statement must be made to a public servant or person authorized to administer oaths. |
Punishment Under BNS-216
If someone is found guilty of this offense, they can face the following punishments:
| Punishment | Details |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | Up to 3 years. |
| Fine | A monetary penalty may be imposed. |
Legal Procedure for BNS-216
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 a Magistrate of the first class. |
Why is BNS-216 Important?
This law is crucial for the following reasons:
- Ensures Truthfulness: It ensures that individuals provide truthful information under oath or affirmation.
- Maintains Integrity: It upholds the integrity of legal proceedings by penalizing false statements.
- Protects Public Trust: It ensures that legal processes are respected and followed, maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Key Takeaways
- BNS-216 applies to individuals who knowingly provide false information under oath or affirmation to a public servant or authorized person.
- The offense involves intentionally making a false statement.
- Punishment includes up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine.
- The case is non-cognizable, bailable, and tried by a Magistrate of the first class.
Example Scenario
Let’s take an example to understand this better:
- Case: A person is legally bound by an oath to provide truthful information to a government officer but knowingly provides false details about their property.
- Outcome: The person can face up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine.
Final Thoughts
BNS-216 is an important law that ensures individuals provide truthful information under oath or affirmation. If you ever come across someone intentionally providing false information under oath, remember that the law is there to address such misconduct.