BNS Section 216
What is the punishment for lying under oath to a public official?
Short answer
Lying under oath to a public servant can lead to up to three years imprisonment and a fine.
In detail
If you are legally required to swear an oath or affirmation to tell the truth to a public servant or any person authorized to administer such an oath, and you deliberately make a statement you know or believe to be false, the law treats this as a serious offence. The provision applies to any public officer—such as police, magistrates, or other officials—and to anyone authorized to take oaths, like notaries. When a false statement is made knowingly, the offender faces a prison term that may be as long as three years. In addition to jail time, the court can also impose a monetary fine. The purpose of the rule is to ensure that testimony given under oath remains trustworthy, and any breach is penalised with both liberty and financial consequences.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- Can a private citizen be punished for lying under oath to a police officer?
- Is there a penalty for making a false statement without being under oath?
- What happens if the false statement is made unintentionally while under oath?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.