IPC 198→BNS 235

IPC 198 to BNS 235: Using as true a certificate known to be false

Section 198 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 235 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 198 →View BNS Section 235 →

IPC 198 to BNS 235 at a Glance

Section 198 IPC (Using as true a certificate known to be false) is now Section 235 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 198 to BNS 235?

Section 198 IPC is now Section 235 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 198 vs BNS 235: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section198235
OffenceUsing as true a certificate known to be falseSame
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 198 and BNS 235: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 198, IPC 1860

198. Using as true a certificate known to be false.—Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use any such certificate as a true certificate, knowing the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 235, BNS 2023

Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use any such certificate as a true certificate, knowing the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.

Ingredients: IPC 198 vs BNS 235

Under IPC 198
  1. The accused used, or attempted to use, a certificate as a true certificate
  2. The certificate is one of the kind described in Section 197 IPC
  3. The accused acted corruptly
  4. The certificate was false in a material point
  5. The accused knew that the certificate was false in that point
Under BNS 235
  1. A certificate of the kind described in Section 234 BNS
  2. Use or attempted use of that certificate as a true certificate by the accused
  3. Corrupt conduct and knowledge of the accused that the certificate is false in a material point

What IPC 198 to BNS 235 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 198 IPC (now Section 235 BNS): the words of the offence are unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 235 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 198 to BNS 235

What changed when Section 198 IPC became Section 235 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 235 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 198 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 198 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 235 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 198 IPC or Section 235 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 198 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 198 IPC. Section 235 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 ·