Introduction of BNS 227
BNS 227 deals with the crime of giving false evidence. It states that anyone legally required to speak the truth or make a declaration, who makes a false statement, either knowingly or without believing it to be true, is guilty of giving false evidence. The law applies whether the false statement is made verbally or in writing, and whether it concerns knowledge or belief.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 227 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 191.
What is BNS Section 227 ?
BNS Section 227 punishes anyone who is bound by law or oath to speak the truth but deliberately makes false statements. It applies to both verbal and written statements, including sworn declarations, court testimonies, and official translations or interpretations. The section aims to uphold the integrity of truth in legal and official matters.

BNS 227 in Simple Points
- Legal Obligation to Tell the Truth:
This section applies when a person is legally bound by an oath or law to make truthful statements, such as during a court trial or official proceeding. - False Statement:
A person commits an offense if they knowingly make a false statement or a statement they do not believe to be true. - Applies to Statements and Beliefs:
A false statement can involve either knowledge (something they know is untrue) or belief (something they do not genuinely believe but claim to believe). - Verbal or Written Statements:
The law covers both verbal statements (spoken) and written statements (documents, declarations, etc.). - Penalty for Giving False Evidence:
The person can face legal punishment for providing false evidence, as it undermines the justice system.
Section 227 BNS Overview
BNS Section 227 defines giving false evidence as making any statement that is false, where the person knows or believes the statement is untrue, or does not believe it to be true. This applies to statements made under oath or in situations where someone is legally required to tell the truth. The false statement can be verbal or written, and it can relate to something the person knows or believes.
Section 227 BNS Overview – 10 Key Points
- Legal Oath Requirement:
If someone is required by law or oath to tell the truth, they must not give any false information. - False Evidence Definition:
If someone knowingly makes a false statement, whether in court or another official situation, they have given false evidence. - Statements About Belief:
Giving false evidence also includes falsely stating that you believe something to be true when you do not actually believe it. - Covers Verbal and Written Statements:
It doesn’t matter if the false statement is spoken or written—it’s still considered false evidence. - False Interpretation or Translation:
If someone falsely interprets or translates a document they are legally required to interpret truthfully, they are guilty of giving false evidence. - Knowingly False:
The person must know that their statement is false or not believe it to be true when they make it. - Impact on Justice:
Giving false evidence in any legal or official proceeding can mislead the authorities, which is why this offense is taken seriously. - Intent Matters:
If a person genuinely believes their statement is true, even if it turns out to be wrong, they have not committed the offense. - Scope of the Law:
The law applies to all people bound by oath or law to tell the truth, including witnesses, interpreters, and translators in legal matters. - Preserving Truth in Legal Proceedings:
The section aims to ensure that legal and official proceedings are based on truthful and accurate statements.
Simple Examples of Giving False Evidence
Example 1: A man is asked to testify in court as a witness to a robbery. He falsely claims that he saw the defendant at the scene of the crime, even though he knows he didn’t. This is an example of giving false evidence because the man deliberately made a false statement to mislead the court.
Example 2: A person, who is a witness in a case, swears an affidavit stating that they believe a document was signed by a certain individual, even though they have no idea whether that person actually signed it. Here, the witness is giving false evidence because they stated something they didn’t truly believe to be true.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 227
Section | Offense | Punishment | Cognizable/Non-Cognizable | Bailable/Non-Bailable | Triable By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BNS Section 227 | Giving false evidence in legal or official proceedings | Legal consequences based on the nature of false evidence, such as imprisonment, fines, or both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
BNS Section 227 FAQs
What is BNS Section 227 about?
BNS Section 227 punishes anyone who knowingly gives false evidence when bound by law or oath to state the truth.
What is an example of giving false evidence?
A person swears in court that they heard someone admit to a crime, even though they never heard that person say anything. This is giving false evidence.
Is giving false evidence only verbal?
No, it applies to both verbal and written statements, including official declarations and translations.
What if someone mistakenly gives incorrect evidence?
If the person genuinely believes their statement is true, they are not guilty. The law only punishes those who knowingly make false statements.
Does BNS Section 227 apply to interpreters or translators?
Yes, if an interpreter or translator falsely certifies a translation or statement, knowing it to be false, they are guilty of giving false evidence.
Can someone be punished for false beliefs under this section?
Yes, if a person states they believe something to be true when they do not genuinely believe it, they are giving false evidence under this law.
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