IPC 226 vs BNS 226
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate
Section 226 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of a public servant who intentionally frames a false certificate intending to cause harm to someone or to gain benefit. This provision ensures that certificates issued by public officials are accurate and trustworthy.
Key aspects:
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Only public servants are liable.
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The act involves creating a certificate or document containing false information.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A municipal officer issuing a false birth certificate to allow someone to claim benefits unlawfully. IPC 226 protects public trust and legal reliability of official certificates by penalizing misconduct.
Public servant framing false certificate
Section 226 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 226. It punishes public servants who knowingly issue false certificates intending to harm, mislead authorities, or provide unlawful benefit.
Key aspects:
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Applies exclusively to public officials.
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Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: A government officer issuing a falsified property ownership certificate to a private party.
BNS 226 reinforces accountability in public administration, ensuring that false certification by officials is legally actionable and preventing misuse of office.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 226 to BNS BNS 226.