IPC 203 vs BNS 203
● Retained in BNSGiving false information respecting an offence committed
Section 203 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses the offence of giving false information regarding a committed offence. This section ensures that individuals do not mislead law enforcement or judicial authorities by providing fabricated details about an actual crime.
Key provisions:
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Whoever, knowing or believing that an offence has been committed, gives false information regarding it with intent to cause a public servant to use lawful power to the injury or annoyance of another person, is punishable.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: A person falsely informing police that a particular individual committed a theft, knowing that the information is untrue, thereby misleading investigation.
This provision aims to protect the justice system from being obstructed by lies, and ensures that investigation resources are not wasted on false leads.
Giving false information respecting an offence committed
Section 203 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponds directly to IPC 203. It punishes the act of knowingly giving false information about an offence with the intention of misleading authorities or causing harm to someone.
Key provisions:
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Any person who knowingly provides false details about an offence to a public servant is liable for punishment.
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Punishment remains imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: Falsely accusing a neighbor of arson to settle personal disputes, despite knowing they were not involved.
By retaining this provision, the BNS reinforces the principle that justice cannot be compromised through lies, and individuals who attempt to misdirect investigations must face consequences.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 203 to BNS BNS 203.