IPC 217 vs BNS 217
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing incorrect record
Section 217 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with public servants who intentionally frame incorrect records with the intent to cause injury to any person or benefit themselves or others. This provision ensures that official documentation remains accurate, truthful, and reliable.
Key aspects:
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Applies only to public servants in the course of their official duties.
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Acts may include falsifying reports, certificates, or official registers.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A government official deliberately misreporting income records to favor one party in a land dispute. IPC 217 safeguards public trust in government and legal records by penalizing officials who manipulate official documents.
Public servant framing incorrect record
Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 217. It punishes public servants who knowingly record false information in official documents, intending to cause harm or benefit.
Key aspects:
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Only public officials are liable.
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Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: A municipal officer falsifying property ownership records to favor a third party.
BNS 217 ensures transparency and accountability in public administration and legal documentation, reinforcing that officials cannot exploit their position to produce incorrect records.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 217 to BNS BNS 217.