IPC Section 179 — Refusing to answer public servant authorized to question

Summary

If you are legally required to tell the truth to a government official, and that official asks you a question about that subject while using their lawful authority, you must answer. Refusing to answer such a question is an offence. The punishment for this offence can be simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official Text

Whoever, being legally bound to state the truth on any subject to any public servant, refuses to answer any question demanded of him touching that subject by such public servant in the exercise of the legal powers of such public servant, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Related Judgments

• NANDINI SATPATHY v. DANI — Supreme Court of India (1978)
• : Petitioners/Accused No.1 to 8 vs 1. The State of Tamil Nadu, — Madras High Court ()
• STATE OF WEST BENGAL v. SHYAMADAS 1211 BANERJEE & ANOTHER — Supreme Court of India (2008)
• NARESH KUMAR MADAN v. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH -- APRIL IO, 2007 B — Supreme Court of India (2007)
• G. A. MONTERIO v. THE STATE OF AJMER — Supreme Court of India (1956)
• RAJIB RANJAN & ORS v. R. VIJAYKUMAR 985 2006 — Supreme Court of India (2014)
• K. CHANDRU ETC.ETC v. STAIE OF TAMIL NADU & ORS. JULY 10, 1985 B — Supreme Court of India (S)
• ...Petitioner vs 1.The Secretary, — Madras High Court (2013)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §214 — Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question