IPC 196→BNS 233

IPC 196 to BNS 233: Using evidence known to be false

Section 196 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 233 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 196 →View BNS Section 233 →

IPC 196 to BNS 233 at a Glance

Section 196 IPC (Using evidence known to be false) is now Section 233 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 196 to BNS 233?

Section 196 IPC is now Section 233 BNS, with the same title and the same words. The punishment is still the same as for giving or fabricating false evidence, but that punishment now sits in Section 229 BNS, which caps the fine at ten thousand rupees or five thousand rupees where the IPC fixed no amount.

IPC 196 vs BNS 233: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section196233
OffenceUsing evidence known to be falseSame
PunishmentThe section fixes no term of its own. The term is that for giving or fabricating false evidence.Same
FineThe section fixes no fine of its own. The fine is that for giving or fabricating false evidence.Same
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByThe Court by which the offence of giving or fabricating false evidence is triableSame

IPC 196 and BNS 233: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 196, IPC 1860

196. Using evidence known to be false.—Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true or genuine evidence any evidence which he knows to be false or fabricated, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave or fabricated false evidence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 233, BNS 2023

Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true or genuine evidence any evidence which he knows to be false or fabricated, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave or fabricated false evidence.

Ingredients: IPC 196 vs BNS 233

Under IPC 196
  1. The evidence was false or fabricated
  2. The accused knew the evidence to be false or fabricated
  3. The accused used the evidence as true or genuine evidence, or attempted to use it so
  4. The accused did so corruptly
Under BNS 233
  1. Evidence which is false or fabricated
  2. Knowledge of the accused that the evidence is false or fabricated
  3. Corrupt use, or attempted use, of that evidence as true or genuine evidence

What IPC 196 to BNS 233 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 196 IPC (now Section 233 BNS): the words of the offence are unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 233 BNS and is framed as before. The punishment is still that for giving or fabricating false evidence and is read with Section 229 BNS, which caps the fine.

FAQs: IPC 196 to BNS 233

What changed when Section 196 IPC became Section 233 BNS?▼

The words are the same. Section 233 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 196 IPC. The punishment is still that for giving or fabricating false evidence, which now sits in Section 229 BNS with a fine capped at ten thousand rupees or five thousand rupees.

Where does Section 196 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 233 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 196 IPC or Section 233 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 196 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 196 IPC. Section 233 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·