IPC 240 vs BNS 240
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate or record with intent to cause wrongful loss
Section 240 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence committed by a public servant who knowingly frames, signs, or issues a false certificate or record intending to cause wrongful loss or injury to any person. This section ensures that official records are accurate and not misused to harm others.
Key aspects:
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Only public servants are liable.
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The act involves creating, signing, or endorsing false certificates or records designed to cause harm or loss.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A government officer falsifies income certificates to deprive a citizen of rightful government subsidies. IPC 240 protects citizens’ rights and public trust, ensuring officials cannot exploit their office to cause wrongful loss.
Public servant framing false certificate or record with intent to cause wrongful loss
Section 240 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 240. It punishes public servants who knowingly frame, issue, or endorse false certificates or records intending to cause unlawful loss or harm to others.
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 alters official property records to deprive a resident of legal rights or financial benefits.
BNS 240 reinforces accountability and integrity, ensuring that public servants cannot exploit official records to harm citizens or others.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 240 to BNS BNS 240.