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Introduction of BNS 201

BNS 201 deals with public servants who intentionally prepare or translate incorrect documents or electronic records with the intent to cause harm or injury to others. The section ensures that public servants entrusted with handling official documents cannot misuse their position to harm others by creating false or misleading documents. If found guilty, they face imprisonment, fines, or both.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 201 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 166.



What is BNS Section 201 ?

BNS Section 201 specifically punishes public servants who, while preparing or translating any document or electronic record, knowingly create an incorrect or false document with the intent to cause harm or injury to another person. This section holds public servants accountable for such dishonest actions, imposing severe penalties.


BNS 201: Punishment for Public Servants’ False Records.
BNS 201: Accountability for false official records.

BNS 201 in Simple Points

  1. Public Servants’ Responsibility
    Public servants tasked with creating or translating documents must ensure the accuracy and correctness of these documents. If they knowingly prepare a false or misleading document, they violate the law under Section 201.
  2. Intent to Cause Harm
    For a public servant to be punished under this section, there must be clear intent to cause harm or injury. It means that the incorrect document is created or translated with the knowledge that it will likely cause damage to another person.
  3. Includes Electronic Records
    This section also covers electronic records. Public servants cannot manipulate or falsify digital documents with harmful intent, ensuring accountability even in the digital realm.
  4. Punishment for Violation
    Public servants found guilty of framing incorrect documents are liable to punishment, which may include imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the case.
  5. Legal Classification
    The offense is classified as cognizable, meaning police can arrest without a warrant. However, it is a bailable offense, allowing the accused to secure release on bail during the legal process.

Section 201 BNS Overview

BNS Section 201 deals with public servants who, while being responsible for preparing or translating official documents or electronic records, knowingly create or translate those documents incorrectly with the intent to cause harm or injury. The section punishes such public servants with imprisonment, fines, or both, holding them accountable for using their position to harm others by manipulating official documents.

10 Key Points of BNS Section 201

  1. Applies to Public Servants
    This section specifically targets public servants who are tasked with preparing or translating documents, ensuring they uphold the integrity of their responsibilities.
  2. Intentional Incorrect Framing of Documents
    The section applies only when the public servant knowingly and intentionally frames or translates the document incorrectly. Mere mistakes or negligence without intent do not fall under this section.
  3. Covers Both Physical and Electronic Records
    BNS Section 201 applies to both physical documents and electronic records, ensuring accountability in the digital realm as well.
  4. Intent to Cause Injury
    For a public servant to be prosecuted under this section, the incorrect document or record must have been prepared with the intent to cause injury, harm, or damage to an individual or group.
  5. Punishment: Imprisonment
    If found guilty under this section, a public servant can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term that may extend up to three years. The severity of the sentence depends on the extent of the injury caused by the incorrect document.
  6. Punishment: Fine
    In addition to imprisonment, the guilty public servant may also be fined. The amount of the fine is determined by the court based on the severity and consequences of the false document.
  7. Cognizable Offense
    This offense is categorized as cognizable, meaning the police have the authority to arrest the public servant without a warrant. It reflects the seriousness of the crime.
  8. Bailable Offense
    Despite being a cognizable offense, it is bailable, which means the accused public servant has the right to seek bail and avoid detention while awaiting trial.
  9. Non-Compoundable
    The offense is non-compoundable, meaning it cannot be settled outside of court between the parties. The case must proceed through the legal system.
  10. Triable by Magistrate of First Class
    Cases under BNS Section 201 are handled by a Magistrate of the first class, reflecting the importance of the offense while ensuring due legal process.

Examples of BNS Section 201

  1. Example 1: False Property Document
    A public servant responsible for preparing property records knowingly creates a false property document that misrepresents ownership. This causes financial harm to the rightful owner, who later files a complaint. The public servant is prosecuted under BNS Section 201 for intentionally framing a false document with the intent to cause harm.
  2. Example 2: Incorrect Translation of Legal Records
    A government translator, responsible for translating a legal document from one language to another, intentionally alters the content to benefit a particular party in a legal dispute. The translation causes injury to the opposing party. The public servant is charged under Section 201 for knowingly translating the document incorrectly with harmful intent.

BNS 201 Punishment

  1. Imprisonment
    A public servant found guilty under this section may face imprisonment for up to three years. The length of the sentence depends on the severity of the damage caused by the incorrect document.
  2. Fine
    In addition to or instead of imprisonment, the guilty public servant may also be fined. The amount of the fine is determined based on the nature and extent of the harm caused by the false document.

BNS 201 bailable or not ?

BNS Section 201 is bailable, meaning that the accused has the right to secure bail and avoid detention while awaiting trial.


Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 201

BNS SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableCompoundable/Non-CompoundableCourt
BNS 201Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injuryImprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or bothBailableCognizableNon-CompoundableMagistrate of the first class
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 201

BNS Section 201 FAQs

What does BNS Section 201 cover?

What is the punishment under BNS Section 201?

Is BNS Section 201 a bailable offense?

Yes, BNS Section 201 is a bailable offense, meaning the accused can secure bail while awaiting trial.

Can police arrest without a warrant under BNS Section 201?

Is BNS Section 201 a compoundable offense?


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