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

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 237 BNS at a Glance

Section 237 BNS deals with using as true such declaration knowing it to be false. It is bailable and non-cognizable; it replaced Section 200 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 200 →

Section 237 BNS Bare Act Text

237. 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 section 236 and this section.

Source: Section 237, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 237 BNS in Simple Words

Section 237 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with using a declaration, statement, or certificate as if it were true, when the person using it knows that it is false. The section applies not only to the person who made the false declaration, but also to anyone who later relies on it or presents it as genuine with knowledge of its falsity. In simple terms, the law targets deliberate use of false material in legal or official settings.

This can arise in affidavits, statutory declarations, certificates, or other formal statements made for public authorities or legal proceedings. If a person knowingly puts forward such a false statement to gain an advantage, mislead an authority, or support a claim, liability may follow under this section. Its practical value is serious.

Courts and public offices depend on truthful declarations. A false declaration can affect property disputes, identity matters, licensing, service records, and litigation. This provision helps maintain trust in sworn statements and protects the administration from fraud and abuse.

Ingredients of Section 237 BNS

  • 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

Punishment Under Section 237 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 declaration known to be false in a material point is punished in the same manner as giving false evidence.

Example of Section 237 BNS

Farhan hands in a declaration of the kind that the law allows to be received as evidence. He offers it as true. Farhan knows that the declaration is false in a material point and he uses it corruptly. Farhan is liable under Section 237 BNS and is punished in the same manner as if he had given false evidence.

When Section 237 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The declaration was not used or offered for use as true
  • The declaration is not of the kind described in Section 236 BNS
  • The accused did not act corruptly
  • The declaration was not false in a material point
  • The accused did not know that the declaration was false
  • The act is making a false statement in the declaration, which is punished under Section 236 BNS

Section 237 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 237 BNS replaces Section 200 IPC from the old criminal code.

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.

View IPC Section 200 →

FAQs on Section 237 BNS

Does Section 237 BNS punish the person who made the false declaration?▼

Not necessarily. This section mainly applies to a person who uses the declaration as true while knowing it is false. The maker may be liable under other provisions if he or she also made the false statement knowingly.

Can an honest mistake attract Section 237 BNS?▼

No. Knowledge of falsity is the key requirement. If a person relied on a document in good faith and had no idea it was false, this section usually will not apply.

Where is Section 237 BNS commonly used?▼

It often comes up in affidavits, certificates, legal declarations, and documents submitted before courts or government offices. The issue is usually whether the person knew the document was false when they relied on it.

What is the punishment under Section 237 BNS?▼

The punishment is the same as for giving false evidence. The exact sentence depends on the facts, the extent of deception, and the impact of the false use.

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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 ·