Introduction of 234 BNS
BNS 234 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with the crime of knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate, which is required by law to be truthful and admissible as evidence. If someone intentionally signs or issues a false certificate that is legally required, they will be punished in the same way as someone who gives false evidence. This section is designed to protect the integrity of legal and official documents, ensuring they represent the truth.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 234 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 197.
- Introduction of 234 BNS
- What is BNS Section 234 ?
- BNS 234 in Simple Points
- Section 234 BNS Overview
- BNS 234 Punishment
- BNS 234 bailable or not ?
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 234
- BNS Section 234 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 234 ?
BNS Section 234 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita addresses the act of knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate. If a person issues or signs a certificate required by law, knowing or believing it to be false in any important aspect, they will face the same punishment as someone who gives false evidence. This section ensures the authenticity and accuracy of legal documents, safeguarding their role in judicial and official proceedings.

BNS 234 in Simple Points
- Issuing or Signing a False Certificate:
BNS Section 234 targets individuals who issue or sign a certificate that is legally required and admissible in evidence. The section holds them accountable if the certificate contains false information about any material fact. It is important that certificates like medical, educational, or official certifications be accurate and truthful. - Knowledge or Belief of Falsity:
The individual must knowingly or have reason to believe that the certificate they are issuing or signing is false. This means if someone issues a certificate without realizing it contains false information, they may not be liable. However, if they are aware or suspect it is false, they can be punished under this law. - Punishment for Issuing False Certificates:
The punishment under BNS Section 234 is the same as for someone who gives false evidence in a court of law. This can include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. The law aims to discourage falsification of legal documents by imposing strict penalties. - Non-Cognizable Offence:
Offences under BNS Section 234 are non-cognizable. This means that the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant, and the case cannot be initiated without judicial intervention. The offence is serious, but it does not pose an immediate danger to public safety. - Bailable Offence:
BNS Section 234 is classified as a bailable offence, meaning the accused person has the right to seek bail and can avoid being held in custody while awaiting trial. This classification allows the accused to secure temporary freedom during the judicial process.
Section 234 BNS Overview
BNS Section 234 makes it illegal to knowingly issue or sign a certificate required by law, if the person knows or believes that the certificate is false in any important aspect. The section aims to prevent the falsification of official certificates and provides the same punishment as for giving false evidence.
10 Key Points of BNS Section 234
- Issuing or Signing a False Certificate:
This section applies to anyone who issues or signs a certificate that is required by law. The certificate must relate to a fact that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. If the certificate contains false information, the person who issued or signed it can be punished under this section. - Knowledge or Belief of Falsity:
To be charged under BNS Section 234, the person must knowingly or have reason to believe that the certificate they are signing or issuing is false in a material way. This means that if someone issues a false certificate unintentionally or without knowledge of its falsity, they may not be held accountable under this section. - Legal Admissibility of the Certificate:
The false certificate must be of a type that is admissible as evidence in a court of law. This includes documents like medical certificates, financial statements, educational certificates, or other documents required by law. If the false certificate is not admissible in legal proceedings, this section may not apply. - Punishment Same as Giving False Evidence:
If a person is found guilty of issuing or signing a false certificate under BNS Section 234, they are punished in the same way as someone who gives false evidence in a court of law. This means they may face imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the seriousness of the false statement. - Non-Cognizable Offence:
The offence under BNS Section 234 is classified as non-cognizable. This means the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant. It is not treated as an immediate threat to public safety, but it is still a serious offence that requires legal proceedings. - Bailable Offence:
BNS Section 234 is a bailable offence. This means that the accused person can seek bail as a matter of right, and the court is likely to grant it, allowing the accused to avoid staying in custody while awaiting trial. - Non-Compoundable:
The offence is non-compoundable, meaning that the complainant and the accused cannot settle the matter outside of court or reach a compromise. The case must go through the judicial process once initiated. - Admissibility of the Certificate:
The section applies only to certificates that are admissible as evidence under the law. Examples include birth certificates, marriage certificates, government-issued documents, and professional certifications. If these certificates are falsified, they can have severe legal consequences. - Intent to Deceive the Legal Process:
The law focuses on the intent of the person issuing the false certificate. The purpose behind the section is to prevent the issuance of false certificates that can harm legal proceedings or lead to incorrect judgments. It aims to protect the justice system from being manipulated by false documentation. - Tried in the Same Court as False Evidence:
Cases under BNS Section 234 are tried in the same court that handles cases of giving false evidence. This ensures consistency in the legal process and ensures that the court with experience in handling false evidence cases deals with similar offences.
Examples of BNS Section 234
- Example 1:
A doctor issues a false medical certificate to an employee, stating that they were unfit to work for a month, even though the employee was in good health. The employee presents this certificate to their employer as legal proof to receive paid leave. Under BNS Section 234, the doctor could be charged for issuing a false certificate, knowing that it contained false information. - Example 2:
A person signs a false educational certificate for someone who did not complete the necessary qualifications for a job. When the certificate is presented during the hiring process, it is found to be false. Under BNS Section 234, the person who signed the false certificate could be punished for knowingly falsifying a legal document.
BNS 234 Punishment
- Imprisonment:
The person convicted under BNS Section 234 can face imprisonment as a penalty for knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate. The exact term of imprisonment depends on the specific circumstances of the case, similar to the punishment for giving false evidence. - Fine:
In addition to or in place of imprisonment, the offender may also be fined. The amount of the fine can vary based on the severity of the offence and the specific legal context, just as in cases of providing false evidence.

BNS 234 bailable or not ?
BNS Section 234 is classified as a bailable offence. This means that the accused person has the right to seek bail and can be released from custody while awaiting trial.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 234
Section | Offence | Punishment | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Trial by |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BNS Section 234 | Issuing or signing a false certificate knowingly | Same as giving false evidence | Bailable | Non-Cognizable | Court that tries false evidence cases |
BNS Section 234 FAQs
What does BNS Section 234 cover?
BNS Section 234 covers the offence of knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate that is legally required and admissible as evidence. If a person is aware that the certificate is false but still signs or issues it, they can be punished under this section.
What is the punishment under BNS Section 234?
The punishment under BNS Section 234 is the same as that for giving false evidence. This can include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the seriousness of the falsification.
Is BNS Section 234 a cognizable offence?
No, BNS Section 234 is classified as a non-cognizable offence, meaning the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant, and judicial intervention is required to initiate proceedings.
Is BNS Section 234 bailable?
Yes, BNS Section 234 is a bailable offence, meaning the accused has the right to seek bail and can be released from custody while awaiting trial.
Can the offence under BNS Section 234 be settled out of court?
No, the offence is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled through mutual agreement or outside of court once the case has been filed.
What kind of certificates are covered under BNS Section 234?
BNS Section 234 covers any certificates required by law that are admissible in evidence, such as medical certificates, educational certificates, or other official documents. If these certificates are issued falsely, the person responsible can be prosecuted.
If you need support with court proceedings or any other legal matters, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
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