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

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 235 BNS at a Glance

Section 235 BNS deals with using as true a certificate known to be false. It is bailable and non-cognizable; it replaced Section 198 IPC on 1 July 2024.

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 229 BNS.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court by which offence of giving false evidence is triable ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 198 →

Section 235 BNS Bare Act Text

235. 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.

Source: Section 235, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 235 BNS in Simple Words

Section 235 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with using a certificate as genuine when you know it is false. A certificate here means a document that is meant to show some official fact or status, such as age, character, health, or qualification. If a person knowingly relies on such a false certificate and presents it as real, the law treats that act as a separate offence.

This section applies to anyone who uses the certificate, not only the person who prepared it. The key point is knowledge. The prosecution must show that the accused knew the certificate was false and still used it as genuine.

This provision matters in practical life because false certificates are often used for jobs, education, licences, court matters, or benefits. The law aims to stop people from gaining an unfair advantage through forged or fabricated documents.

Ingredients of Section 235 BNS

  • A certificate of the kind described in Section 234 BNS
  • Use or attempted use of that certificate as a true certificate by the accused
  • Corrupt conduct and knowledge of the accused that the certificate is false in a material point

Punishment Under Section 235 BNS

Imprisonment

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.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Court by which offence of giving false evidence is triable ⓘ

Corruptly using as true, or attempting to use as true, a certificate known to be false in a material point is punished in the same manner as giving false evidence.

Example of Section 235 BNS

Ravi hands a certificate to an office as a true certificate. The certificate is of the kind that the law requires to be given or signed. Ravi knows that it is false in a material point and he uses it corruptly. Ravi is liable under Section 235 BNS and is punished in the same manner as if he had given false evidence.

When Section 235 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The certificate was not used or offered for use as a true certificate
  • The certificate is not of the kind described in Section 234 BNS
  • The accused did not act corruptly
  • The certificate was not false in a material point
  • The accused did not know that the certificate was false
  • The act is issuing or signing the false certificate, which is punished under Section 234 BNS

Section 235 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 235 BNS replaces Section 198 IPC from the old criminal code.

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.

View IPC Section 198 →

FAQs on Section 235 BNS

What does Section 235 BNS punish?▼

It punishes a person who uses a certificate as if it were genuine, while knowing that it is false. The offence is about dishonest use, not just making the false document. If the person had no knowledge of the falsity, this section usually will not apply.

Does Section 235 BNS apply only to the person who made the false certificate?▼

No. It can apply to the person who uses the certificate, even if someone else created it. What matters is the user’s knowledge and intention at the time of using it.

What is the punishment under Section 235 BNS?▼

The punishment under this section is the same as for giving false evidence. The court decides the sentence based on the facts, the nature of the document, and the harm caused.

How is Section 235 BNS different from forgery?▼

Forgery usually concerns making a false document with intent to cheat or cause harm. Section 235 BNS focuses on using a false certificate as genuine. In many cases, both offences may arise from the same set of facts.

Have questions about Section 235 BNS?

Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.

Ask NyayGuru →

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·