IPC Section 211 — False charge of offence made with intent to injure

false evidence and offences against public justice

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both”

Summary

If someone starts a criminal case or makes a false accusation against another person, knowing there is no valid legal reason to do so, and does this with the intention of harming that person, they can be punished. The punishment may include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Official Text

Whoever, with intent to cause injury to any person, institutes or causes to be instituted any criminal proceeding against that person, or falsely charges any person with having committed an offence, knowing that there is no just or lawful ground for such proceeding or charge against that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both;

Related Judgments

  • HARIDAS DAS AND ANR. vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS — Supreme Court of India (1964)
  • PERUMAL vs JANAKI — Supreme Court of India (2014)
  • MADHAV vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH — Supreme Court of India (2021)
  • SANTOKH SINGH vs IZHAR HUSSAIN AND ANR — Supreme Court of India (1973)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §248 — False charge of offence made with intent to injure