Introduction of BNS Section 214
BNS Section 214 deals with situations where a person is legally required to answer questions posed by a public servant but refuses to do so. When a public servant, such as a police officer or magistrate, is authorized by law to ask questions, and the person refuses to provide answers, this refusal becomes an offence under BNS Section 2214.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 214 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 179.
- Introduction of BNS Section 214
- What is BNS Section 214 ?
- BNS 214 in Simple Points
- Section 214 BNS Overview
- BNS 214 Punishment
- BNS 214 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 214
- BNS Section 214 FAQs
- If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What is BNS Section 214 ?
BNS Section 214 makes it an offence for a person to refuse to answer questions that they are legally bound to answer, when asked by a public servant authorized to question them. The refusal can lead to punishment with simple imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. The law ensures that people cooperate with public officials when they are carrying out their legal duties.

BNS 214 in Simple Points
- Obligation to Answer Questions from Public Servants: BNS Section 214 applies when a person is legally required to answer questions from public servants. Public servants, such as police officers, are sometimes authorized to question individuals as part of their legal duties. The law expects individuals to cooperate and provide truthful answers in such situations.
- Refusal to Answer: The section clearly makes it an offence to refuse to answer the questions of a public servant who is legally allowed to ask them. This refusal hinders the work of public servants, who rely on truthful responses to carry out investigations, inquiries, or legal proceedings. Not answering can delay or disrupt important legal processes.
- Punishment for Refusal: If a person refuses to answer the questions of a public servant, they can face simple imprisonment for up to six months. This punishment serves as a deterrent and ensures that individuals understand the seriousness of refusing to comply with legal questioning.
- Fine for Refusal: In addition to imprisonment, the person may also be fined up to ₹5,000. This fine is meant to penalize individuals who refuse to cooperate with public servants, providing an alternative or additional consequence if imprisonment is not deemed necessary.
- Non-Cognizable and Bailable Offence: The offence under Section 214 is non-cognizable, which means the police cannot arrest a person without a warrant from the court. It is also a bailable offence, meaning the person can apply for bail and does not have to remain in jail while waiting for the trial. The case can be tried by any Magistrate, or the court where the offence was committed.
Section 214 BNS Overview
BNS Section 214 punishes a person who is legally bound to answer questions posed by a public servant but refuses to do so. If the public servant is acting within their legal authority and the individual refuses to answer questions truthfully or at all, it is an offence under this section. The person may face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
BNS Section 214: 10 Key Points Explained in Simple English
- Legal Obligation to Answer Public Servants: Under BNS Section 214, if a person is legally required to answer questions asked by a public servant (like a police officer or magistrate), they must provide truthful answers. Refusing to answer these questions is considered an offence under this law.
- Public Servants with Legal Authority: The public servant must be legally authorized to ask these questions. This could happen during an investigation, inquiry, or any official duty that requires the person to provide information. The law gives these officials the right to ask questions for legal purposes.
- Refusal to Answer: If the person refuses to answer the questions when legally required, it is treated as a violation of the law. Refusing to respond can be seen as obstructing justice or hindering the public servant’s duty.
- Imprisonment as Punishment: The law allows for punishment if a person refuses to answer a public servant’s questions. They can be sentenced to simple imprisonment for a period of up to six months. This imprisonment is meant to enforce compliance and ensure people cooperate with public officials.
- Fine as an Alternative Punishment: Instead of imprisonment, or sometimes along with it, the offender can be fined up to ₹5,000. This fine is a monetary penalty for refusing to answer the questions of a public servant.
- Combination of Imprisonment and Fine: The law allows for both imprisonment and a fine. This means that, in some cases, a person who refuses to answer may face both jail time and a financial penalty depending on the seriousness of the refusal.
- Non-Cognizable Offence: BNS Section 214 is classified as a non-cognizable offence, which means that the police cannot arrest the person without a warrant. A court’s permission is required for any arrest to take place in such cases.
- Bailable Offence: Since this is a bailable offence, a person charged under this section can apply for bail. This means that they do not have to stay in jail while they wait for their trial, as long as they meet the bail conditions set by the court.
- Tried by Any Magistrate: Cases related to BNS Section 214 can be tried by any Magistrate. This makes the trial process simpler, as it does not require a higher court, and the trial can take place at the local level.
- Prevents Obstruction of Justice: The main purpose of BNS Section 214 is to ensure that people do not refuse to provide necessary information to public servants. This section is important to prevent any obstruction in the investigation process or legal proceedings, ensuring that justice is served efficiently.
Examples of BNS Section 214:
- Example 1: A police officer, during a criminal investigation, asks Mr. B if he witnessed an accident. Mr. B was present at the scene and is legally required to give truthful information. However, Mr. B refuses to answer any of the police officer’s questions. Here, Mr. B is committing an offence under BNS Section 214 for refusing to answer a legally authorized question.
- Example 2: During a court inquiry, the magistrate asks Ms. C whether she has seen a suspect in a theft case. Ms. C, being legally obligated to state the truth and answer questions, refuses to provide any information or respond. Her refusal to answer the magistrate’s question constitutes an offence under BNS Section 214, and she may be punished for her refusal.
BNS 214 Punishment
- Imprisonment: If found guilty under this section, the offender can be sentenced to simple imprisonment for up to six months.
- Fine: Alternatively, or in addition to imprisonment, the person can be fined up to ₹5,000.

BNS 214 bailable or not ?
BNS Section 214 is a bailable offence. This means that if a person is charged under this section, they have the right to apply for bail and be released from custody while waiting for their trial.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 214
BNS Section | Offence | Punishment | Bailable or Not | Triable By |
---|---|---|---|---|
214 | Refusing to answer a public servant when required | Simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
BNS Section 214 FAQs
What is the main offence under BNS Section 214?
The main offence is refusing to answer questions from a public servant, such as a police officer or magistrate, when legally required to do so.
What is the punishment under Section 214?
The punishment can be simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
Is Section 214 a bailable offence?
Yes, it is a bailable offence, meaning the accused can apply for bail.
Can the police arrest without a warrant for this offence?
No, it is a non-cognizable offence, so the police cannot arrest someone without a warrant.
Who can try cases under Section 214?
Any Magistrate can try cases under Section 214, or the court where the offence was committed.
Does refusal to answer always result in imprisonment?
No, the court can impose either imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the situation.
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