IPC 248 vs BNS 248
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate or record to cause wrongful gain or loss
Section 248 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 gain or loss to any person. This section ensures that official documents are accurate and cannot be manipulated for personal or third-party benefit.
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 to confer gain or cause harm.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A government officer falsifies property records to benefit one citizen unlawfully while causing financial loss to another. IPC 248 safeguards administrative integrity and public trust, ensuring officials cannot exploit their position for wrongful gain or loss.
Public servant framing false certificate or record to cause wrongful gain or loss
Section 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 248. It punishes public servants who knowingly frame, issue, or endorse false certificates or records intending to cause unlawful gain or loss to themselves or 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 land records to financially benefit a private party while harming another resident.
BNS 248 reinforces accountability, transparency, and ethical governance, ensuring public servants cannot manipulate official documents for wrongful gain or loss.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 248 to BNS BNS 248.