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Introduction of BNS 240

BNS 240 addresses the act of providing false information about an offence that has been committed. If someone knowingly gives incorrect details regarding a crime, or if they believe the information they are providing is false, they can be punished. This section ensures that misleading information about crimes is not spread, which could obstruct justice and investigations. It focuses on holding individuals accountable for intentionally distorting facts related to an offence.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 240 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 203.



What is BNS Section 240 ?

BNS Section 240 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita makes it illegal to give false information about a crime that has been committed. If someone deliberately shares false or incorrect information about an offence, they can face legal consequences. The section ensures that false information does not interfere with the investigation of offences and the administration of justice.


BNS 240 punishes those who provide false information on crimes.
BNS 240 targets false information about criminal acts.

BNS 240 in Simple Points

  1. False Information about Offence:
    • BNS Section 240 applies when someone gives false information about an offence, knowing that the details are incorrect. This can hinder investigations and obstruct justice.
    • Example: If someone lies to the police about a robbery, knowing that the robbery did not happen, this section can be invoked.
  2. Intention to Mislead:
    • The person giving the false information must know or believe the information to be false. It requires intent to deceive the authorities or public servants.
    • Example: If a witness provides fake details to protect a criminal, it would fall under this section.
  3. Punishable with Imprisonment and Fine:
    • The punishment for giving false information can be imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the false information provided.
    • This ensures that people do not mislead legal authorities by providing false information about crimes.
  4. Applies to Information Regarding Serious Offences:
    • The section mentions that false information regarding certain serious offences is especially covered. This includes crimes that would be punishable under sections 103, 105, 307, and other related sections.
    • Example: Providing false details about a murder case to mislead the police would be punishable under this section.
  5. International Relevance:
    • The section also covers false information related to crimes committed outside India, as long as those crimes would be punishable if committed in India.
    • Example: If someone provides false information about a crime committed abroad, but the act is punishable under Indian law, this section would apply.

Section 240 BNS Overview

BNS Section 240 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita criminalizes the act of providing false information about an offence, knowing or believing the information to be false. It is designed to prevent individuals from misleading law enforcement and obstructing justice by intentionally providing incorrect or deceptive information regarding crimes. The punishment for this offence can include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

BNS Section 240 – 10 Key Points

  1. False Information about an Offence
    • BNS Section 240 applies to individuals who give false information about a crime that they know or believe to be false. This could include making misleading statements to the police, court, or other authorities involved in the investigation of the offence.
    • Example: A person tells the police that they witnessed a theft when they know for sure that no theft took place.
  2. Intent to Mislead
    • The person must intentionally provide false information about an offence. They must know that the information they are giving is false or have reasons to believe that it is false.
    • Example: A witness falsely claims to have seen someone commit a crime in order to protect the actual criminal.
  3. Punishment under BNS Section 240
    • If someone is found guilty of giving false information, they can face imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both. The severity of the punishment depends on the seriousness of the offence and the extent of the false information.
    • Example: A person who knowingly gives false details about a murder may receive the maximum punishment of two years’ imprisonment or both imprisonment and a fine.
  4. False Information Can Block Justice
    • By providing false information, a person can hinder or block the investigation of a real offence, causing delays in justice and obstructing law enforcement from finding the truth.
    • Example: A person falsely accuses someone of a crime, causing the police to waste valuable time investigating a case that isn’t real.
  5. Applies to Crimes Committed in India or Abroad
    • BNS Section 240 covers false information about crimes committed not only within India but also outside India, as long as the crime would be punishable under Indian law if it occurred in India.
    • Example: A person provides false information about a robbery that took place in another country, but if it were committed in India, it would be punishable under Indian law.
  6. Serious Offences Covered
    • This section applies to serious offences like murder, attempt to murder, causing grievous hurt, and certain other violent crimes. This ensures that giving false information about such grave offences is punishable under law.
    • Example: Someone gives false information to the police about a serious offence such as an attempted murder to protect the real perpetrator.
  7. Legal Repercussions of False Information
    • Misleading authorities with false information can lead to significant legal repercussions. The law treats such acts seriously because they obstruct investigations and mislead the court.
    • Example: A person deliberately lies in court under oath, providing false evidence in an ongoing case.
  8. Non-Cognizable Offence
    • BNS Section 240 is a non-cognizable offence, meaning the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant. A non-cognizable offence also means that the police require prior approval from a magistrate before proceeding with an investigation.
    • Example: If someone provides false information to the police, the police need to get approval from a magistrate before starting an investigation.
  9. Bailable Offence
    • This section is bailable, meaning that if a person is arrested under this section, they can apply for bail. The accused can be released from custody until their trial begins.
    • Example: If someone is arrested for giving false information, they can apply for bail and may be released while awaiting their trial.
  10. Trial by Magistrate
    • Offences under BNS Section 240 are triable by any Magistrate. This means that the case can be heard in a lower court, and it does not require a higher-level court like the Sessions Court.
    • Example: A person found guilty of giving false information can be tried in a Magistrate’s Court, which deals with less severe cases.

BNS 240 Punishment

  1. Imprisonment:
    • The person found guilty under BNS Section 240 can face imprisonment for up to two years.
  2. Fine:
    • Along with imprisonment, the person may also be liable to pay a fine, or both imprisonment and fine may be imposed, depending on the case.

2 11zon 19

BNS 240 bailable or not ?

Yes, BNS Section 240 is a bailable offence, meaning that if someone is arrested under this section, they are allowed to apply for bail and can be released while awaiting their trial.


Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 240

BNS SectionOffencePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial by
BNS Section 240Giving false information about an offenceImprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or bothBailableNon-cognizableAny Magistrate
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 240

BNS Section 240 FAQs

What is BNS Section 240?

What is the punishment under BNS Section 240?

Is BNS Section 240 a bailable offence?

Yes, it is a bailable offence, meaning the accused can be granted bail.

Is BNS Section 240 a cognizable offence?

What type of court tries cases under BNS Section 240?

Does BNS Section 240 cover crimes committed outside India?


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