IPC 228 vs BNS 228
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate causing injury
Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence committed by a public servant who frames, issues, or endorses a false certificate intending to cause injury or harm to any person. This section ensures that official certifications maintain truthfulness and reliability.
Key aspects:
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Only public servants are liable.
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The act involves deliberately issuing a certificate or record containing false information.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A government officer issues a falsified birth certificate to deprive a legitimate heir of inheritance. IPC 228 safeguards citizens’ rights by penalizing misuse of public office to issue harmful or misleading certificates.
Public servant framing false certificate causing injury
Section 228 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 228. It punishes public servants who knowingly issue false certificates or records intending to cause injury, loss, or disadvantage to another person.
Key aspects:
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Applies exclusively to public officials performing official duties.
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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 documents to cause financial or legal harm to a resident.
BNS 228 strengthens legal and administrative accountability, ensuring that any deliberate falsification of certificates by officials is legally punishable.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 228 to BNS BNS 228.