IPC 197→BNS 234

IPC 197 to BNS 234: Issuing or signing false certificate

Section 197 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 234 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 197 →View BNS Section 234 →

IPC 197 to BNS 234 at a Glance

Section 197 IPC (Issuing or signing false certificate) is now Section 234 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 197 to BNS 234?

Section 197 IPC is now Section 234 BNS, with the same title and the same words. The punishment is still the same as for giving 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 197 vs BNS 234: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section197234
OffenceIssuing or signing false certificateSame
PunishmentThe section sets no term of its own. The offender is punished in the same manner as for giving false evidence, which is punished under Section 193 IPC.The section sets no term of its own. The offender is punished in the same manner as for giving false evidence, which is punished under Section 229 BNS.
FineThe section sets no fine of its own. The fine is the one for giving false evidence.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByCourt by which offence of giving false evidence is triableSame

IPC 197 and BNS 234: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 197, IPC 1860

197. Issuing or signing false certificate.—Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 234, BNS 2023

Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.

Ingredients: IPC 197 vs BNS 234

Under IPC 197
  1. The accused issued or signed a certificate
  2. The certificate was required by law to be given or signed, or it related to a fact of which such a certificate is by law admissible in evidence
  3. The certificate was false in a material point
  4. The accused knew or believed that the certificate was false in that point
Under BNS 234
  1. A certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to a fact of which such a certificate is by law admissible in evidence
  2. Issuing or signing that certificate by the accused
  3. Knowledge or belief of the accused that the certificate is false in a material point

What IPC 197 to BNS 234 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 197 IPC (now Section 234 BNS): the words of the offence are unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 234 BNS and is framed as before. The punishment is still that for giving false evidence and is read with Section 229 BNS, which caps the fine.

FAQs: IPC 197 to BNS 234

What changed when Section 197 IPC became Section 234 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 234 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 197 IPC. The punishment is still the same as for giving false evidence, which the BNS now carries in Section 229 BNS with a capped fine.

Where does Section 197 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 234 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 197 IPC or Section 234 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 197 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 197 IPC. Section 234 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 ·