BNS Section 215 — Refusing to sign statement

CHAPTER XIII OF CONTEMPTS OF THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹3,000, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, or with both”

Summary

A person who refuses to sign a statement they have made, when a public servant who is legally authorised to do so requires them to sign it, can be punished with simple imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine of up to three thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever refuses to sign any statement made by him, when required to sign that statement by a public servant legally competent to require that he shall sign that statement, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

  • ADARSH KUMAR HANDA vs GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF, DELHI AND ORS — Delhi High Court (2024)
  • AMANDEEP GILL & ANR vs THE STATE GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2024)
  • DEV NARAIN PASWAN vs THE STATE OF NCT OF DELHI AND ANR — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • JASWINDER SINGH vs GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI — Delhi High Court (2025)
  • KELA DEVI vs ANIL KUMAR JAIN & ORS — Delhi High Court (2024)

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