IPC 200 in BNS: Find the New Section and What Changed

What Changed From IPC 200 to BNS 237?

Section 200 IPC is now Section 237 BNS, with the same title and the same offence words. The Explanation now refers to Section 236 BNS and to Section 237 BNS itself, where the IPC referred to Sections 199 and 200. 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 200 vs BNS 237: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	200	237
Offence	Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false	Same
Punishment	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 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.
Fine	The section sets no fine of its own. The fine is the one for giving false evidence.	Same
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Non-Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Court by which offence of giving false evidence is triable	Same

IPC 200 and BNS 237: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 200, IPC 1860

200. Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false.—Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true any such declaration, knowing the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence. Explanation.—A declaration which is inadmissible merely upon the ground of some informality, is a declaration within the meaning of sections 199 and 200.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 237, BNS 2023

Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true any such declaration, knowing the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence. Explanation.—A declaration which is inadmissible merely upon the ground of some informality, is a declaration within the meaning of section 236 and this section.

Ingredients: IPC 200 vs BNS 237

Under IPC 200

The accused used, or attempted to use, a declaration as true
The declaration is one of the kind described in Section 199 IPC
The accused acted corruptly
The declaration was false in a material point
The accused knew that the declaration was false in that point

Under BNS 237

A declaration of the kind described in Section 236 BNS
Use or attempted use of that declaration as true by the accused
Corrupt conduct and knowledge of the accused that the declaration is false in a material point

What IPC 200 to BNS 237 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 200 IPC (now Section 237 BNS): the words of the offence are unchanged. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 237 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 200 to BNS 237

What changed when Section 200 IPC became Section 237 BNS?▼

The number, and the cross-reference in the Explanation. Section 237 BNS repeats the title and the offence words of Section 200 IPC, and its Explanation refers to Section 236 BNS and to itself. 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 200 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 237 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 200 IPC or Section 237 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 200 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 200 IPC. Section 237 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 200 to BNS 237: Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false

IPC 200 to BNS 237 at a Glance