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

contempt's the lawful authority public servants

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both

As the section puts it: “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”

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.

Old <-> New Code Mapping

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