IPC 209→BNS 246

IPC 209 to BNS 246: Dishonestly making false claim in Court

Section 209 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 246 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 209 →View BNS Section 246 →

IPC 209 to BNS 246 at a Glance

Section 209 IPC (Dishonestly making false claim in Court) is now Section 246 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 209 to BNS 246?

Section 209 IPC is now Section 246 BNS. The words Court of Justice become Court, while the punishment remains imprisonment for up to two years and fine.

IPC 209 vs BNS 246: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section209246
OffenceDishonestly making false claim in CourtSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to two years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine. The section fixes no amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 209 and BNS 246: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 209, IPC 1860

209. Dishonestly making false claim in Court.—Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a Court of Justice any claim which he knows to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 246, BNS 2023

Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a Court any claim which he knows to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 209 vs BNS 246

Under IPC 209
  1. The accused made a claim in a Court of Justice
  2. The accused knew that the claim was false
  3. The accused made the claim fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person
Under BNS 246
  1. Making a claim in a Court
  2. Knowledge that the claim is false
  3. Fraudulent or dishonest intent, or intent to injure or annoy any person

What IPC 209 to BNS 246 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 209 IPC (now Section 246 BNS): the punishment is unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 246 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 209 to BNS 246

What changed when Section 209 IPC became Section 246 BNS?▼

The words Court of Justice become Court. The punishment remains imprisonment of either description for up to two years, and fine.

Where does Section 209 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 246 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 209 IPC or Section 246 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 209 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 209 IPC. Section 246 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 ·