IPC 251 vs BNS 251
● Retained in BNSPublic servant framing false certificate or record causing wrongful loss
Section 251 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 financial loss.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A government officer falsifies land records to deprive a rightful claimant of government benefits. IPC 251 protects citizens’ rights and public trust, ensuring officials cannot exploit their office to cause wrongful loss.
Public servant framing false certificate or record causing wrongful loss
Section 251 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 251. 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 deprive a resident of financial benefits unlawfully.
BNS 251 reinforces accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct, ensuring public servants cannot manipulate official documents 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 251 to BNS BNS 251.