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Introduction of 191 IPC

IPC 191 is a law in India’s Penal Code that deals with giving false evidence in legal matters. It is essential because it ensures that truth is maintained in court proceedings, police investigations, and other official matters. The law applies to witnesses, accused persons, experts, translators, and anyone bound by an oath to speak the truth. If someone intentionally gives a false statement under oath or legal obligation, they can be punished under IPC 191. This law helps maintain justice and prevents wrongful convictions.



What is IPC Section 191 ?

Whoever, being legally bound by an oath or by an express provision of law to state the truth, or being bound by law to make a declaration upon any subject, makes any statement which is false, and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, is said to give false evidence.


IPC 191 in Simple Points

1. Who Can Be Punished Under IPC 191?

IPC 191 applies to any person who is legally bound to tell the truth in a courtroom, police investigation, or official legal proceeding. This includes witnesses, accused persons, complainants, translators, and even experts who provide statements. If any of these people lie under oath or give false statements in affidavits or legal declarations, they are guilty. Even government officials who provide false reports or documents can be punished. The law ensures that everyone tells the truth in legal matters.

2. What Constitutes False Evidence?

False evidence includes any statement, written document, affidavit, or testimony that is intentionally incorrect and given under legal obligation. If a person falsely claims to have seen a crime, lies about a signature on a document, or falsely swears that a person was present somewhere when they were not, it is considered false evidence. Even if the statement is made in good faith but without proper knowledge, it can still be punishable under IPC 191 if it misleads the authorities.

3. Examples of IPC 191 Violations

A person gives false evidence when they lie about witnessing a crime, provide fake documents in court, or falsely testify against someone. For example, if A falsely swears in court that B admitted to a crime, A is guilty of false evidence. Another example is when a translator deliberately changes the meaning of a legal document to favor one party. If a doctor issues a false medical certificate for legal purposes, they can also be punished under IPC 191.

4. Why is IPC 191 Important?

IPC 191 is crucial because it ensures that justice is based on truth and honesty. If people are allowed to lie under oath, courts may convict innocent people or allow criminals to escape punishment. This law prevents corruption, manipulation of evidence, and wrongful convictions. It also protects victims and the accused by ensuring that legal cases are decided based on true and accurate information. The law plays a key role in maintaining trust in the legal system.

5. Punishment Under IPC 191

Anyone found guilty under IPC 191 can be sentenced to imprisonment, fined, or both. The punishment depends on the seriousness of the false statement and its impact on the case. If false evidence leads to a wrongful conviction, the person giving false evidence may face harsher punishment. The maximum imprisonment can extend up to seven years, and the court may also impose a heavy fine to discourage such acts. The punishment ensures that people think twice before lying in legal matters.


Section 191 IPC Overview

IPC 191 is a legal provision that punishes false statements made under oath or legal obligation. It applies when a person is required to tell the truth but knowingly provides false information. The law covers oral statements, written declarations, affidavits, and official reports. If a person lies in court, during a police investigation, or in any official procedure, it is considered giving false evidence. This law protects the integrity of the justice system by ensuring that evidence used in legal cases is truthful.

IPC 191: Giving False Information – 10 Key Points

1. Meaning of IPC 191

IPC 191 applies when a person, who is legally required to tell the truth, knowingly makes a false statement. This can happen in court, during a police investigation, or in any legal proceeding. The false statement must be made under oath, a legal declaration, or an official duty. If a person says something they know is false or do not believe to be true, it is considered false evidence. The law ensures that people do not mislead the justice system, protecting the credibility of legal proceedings.

2. Who Can Be Punished Under IPC 191?

Anyone who is legally bound to tell the truth can be punished under IPC 191 if they provide false information. This includes witnesses, accused persons, complainants, experts, translators, and even interpreters. The false statement can be given verbally, in writing, through sworn affidavits, or by signing false documents. The law applies even if the false statement is not made inside a courtroom but in any legal or official capacity.

3. What Qualifies as False Evidence?

A statement is considered false evidence if it is incorrect and given intentionally under legal obligation. If a person lies about witnessing a crime, falsely identifies a suspect, or misrepresents facts in an affidavit, it falls under IPC 191. The statement must be given knowingly and willfully—if a person is genuinely mistaken, they may not be held guilty. False information provided to mislead judges, police, or other authorities is covered under this law.

4. Examples of False Evidence Under IPC 191

If a witness falsely swears in court that he heard someone admit to a crime, this is false evidence. Another example is when a person signs a document falsely claiming ownership of a property in a legal dispute. A translator who intentionally changes the meaning of a document to favor one party is also guilty. If a doctor issues a fake medical certificate in a court case, it is considered giving false evidence. Any false statement made deliberately to deceive legal authorities comes under this section.

5. Explanation of False Belief in IPC 191

A false statement also includes cases where a person pretends to believe something they do not actually believe. For example, if a witness claims they recognize a signature as genuine when they actually do not, it is false evidence. Similarly, if a person swears that a certain event happened at a place and time without knowing the facts, they are guilty. Even if the statement turns out to be true by coincidence, if it was given without actual knowledge, it is still false evidence.

6. Importance of IPC 191 in Legal Proceedings

This law is crucial for protecting the integrity of the judicial system. If people are allowed to lie under oath, courts may end up punishing innocent people or letting guilty persons go free. IPC 191 ensures that evidence presented in trials is accurate and reliable. It prevents corruption, false accusations, and wrongful convictions. Without this law, the entire justice system would be based on lies, making it difficult to ensure fair trials and justice.

7. IPC 191 and the Role of Witnesses

Witnesses play a vital role in legal cases, and their testimony must be truthful and reliable. If a witness deliberately provides false testimony in a court trial, it can affect the judgment. For example, if a person falsely testifies that an accused was at the crime scene when they were not, it can lead to wrongful punishment. IPC 191 ensures that witnesses take their statements seriously and do not manipulate the truth for personal gain or revenge.

8. Punishment Under IPC 191

A person found guilty under IPC 191 can face imprisonment, a fine, or both. The punishment depends on how serious the false statement is and how it affects the case. If the false evidence causes a wrongful conviction, the punishment can be harsher. The imprisonment can extend up to seven years in severe cases. A heavy fine may also be imposed to discourage false statements in legal proceedings. The court decides the punishment based on the intention and impact of the false evidence.

9. Difference Between IPC 191 and Perjury Laws

IPC 191 is closely related to perjury, which means lying under oath. In many countries, perjury is considered a serious crime because it affects the trustworthiness of legal proceedings. IPC 191 applies not only to false statements made in court but also in legal declarations, affidavits, and official documents. It is different from IPC 192, which deals with fabrication of false evidence, and IPC 193, which provides stricter punishment for false evidence in court.

10. Preventing the Misuse of IPC 191

While IPC 191 is essential for ensuring truthfulness, it can sometimes be misused. Some people falsely accuse others of giving false evidence to settle personal disputes. To prevent misuse, the court carefully examines the intention behind the statement. If a person made an honest mistake without intent to deceive, they may not be punished. Courts also ensure that people are not falsely framed under IPC 191 for revenge or political reasons. This law protects innocent people while punishing those who deliberately lie.

Two Examples of IPC 191

Example 1: False Witness in Court

A is a witness in a criminal trial. He falsely testifies under oath that he saw B committing a theft, even though he was not present at the scene. His false statement influences the court’s decision. Since A knowingly made a false statement under oath, he is guilty of giving false evidence under IPC 191.

Example 2: Fake Medical Report

A doctor, X, is legally required to provide an honest medical report. However, he falsely certifies that Y was injured due to an accident when Y actually had no injuries. This report is used in a legal case to claim compensation fraudulently. Since the doctor knowingly gave false evidence, he can be punished under IPC 191.


191 IPC Punishment

  1. Imprisonment: A person guilty under IPC 191 can be jailed for up to 7 years. The court decides the exact term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the false evidence.
  2. Fine: The convicted person may also have to pay a fine as decided by the court. If the false evidence leads to serious consequences, the fine can be high.

191 IPC Bailable or non bailable

  • IPC 191 is a Non-Bailable offense, meaning the accused cannot get bail automatically.
  • The accused must apply for bail in court, and the judge decides based on case facts.
  • Since false evidence can mislead justice, bail is given only in exceptional cases.

Section 191 IPC case laws

1. Queen-Empress v. Mannu (1897)

  • Facts: A person gave false testimony in court, which led to an innocent man’s conviction.
  • Result: The false witness was convicted under IPC 191 and sentenced to imprisonment for misleading the court.

2. Periyaswami Moopan v. Emperor (1920)

  • Facts: A man falsely testified that another person committed a crime.
  • Result: The court held that knowingly providing false testimony under oath is punishable under IPC 191.

3. State of Punjab v. Swaran Singh (2000)

  • Facts: A witness changed his statement multiple times in court, misleading the case.
  • Result: The Supreme Court ruled that false evidence disturbs the justice system, and the witness was punished under IPC 191.

4. R. v. White (1858, UK Case Applied in India)

  • Facts: A person lied under oath about the location of a crime.
  • Result: The court ruled that intentionally misleading the justice system is a serious offense, and he was punished under a law similar to IPC 191.

5. K. Karunakaran v. T.V. Eachara Warrier (1978)

  • Facts: False evidence was submitted in a legal case to manipulate the outcome.
  • Result: The Supreme Court ruled that false evidence weakens the legal system, and the accused was punished under IPC 191.

Section 191 IPC in short information

IPC SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial By
IPC 191Giving False EvidenceUp to 7 years imprisonment or fine, or bothNon-BailableNon-CognizableMagistrate

IPC Section 191 FAQs

What is the meaning of “Giving False Evidence” under IPC 191?

Giving false evidence means knowingly making a false statement under oath or providing misleading information in a legal proceeding. This includes:

Making false statements in affidavits, police reports, or sworn declarations.
If a person deliberately misleads the court or investigation while legally bound to tell the truth, they are guilty under IPC 191.

Lying in court while giving testimony.

Falsifying documents or records to mislead a legal case.

What are the essential elements to prove an offense under IPC 191?

What is the punishment for giving false evidence under IPC 191?

Is IPC 191 a bailable offense?

What are some real-life examples where IPC 191 is applied?


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