IPC 246 vs BNS 246
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate or record to cause wrongful injury
Section 246 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 injury, loss, or disadvantage to any person. This section ensures that official records remain accurate and are not manipulated 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 records to deprive a citizen of rightful government benefits. IPC 246 protects citizens’ rights and administrative integrity, ensuring that officials cannot exploit their office to injure others.
Public servant framing false certificate or record to cause wrongful injury
Section 246 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 246. 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 property tax records to financially harm a resident unlawfully.
BNS 246 reinforces accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct, ensuring public officials cannot exploit office documents to injure 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 246 to BNS BNS 246.