Section 242 BNS: False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 242 BNS at a Glance

Section 242 BNS deals with false personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; it replaced Section 205 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to three years.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 205 →

Section 242 BNS Bare Act Text

242. False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution

Whoever falsely personates another, and in such assumed character makes any admission or statement, or confesses judgment, or causes any process to be issued or becomes bail or security, or does any other act in any suit or criminal prosecution, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 242, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 242 BNS in Simple Words

Section 242 BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with false personation used in a suit or criminal prosecution. It applies when a person knowingly pretends to be someone else, or causes another person to appear in that false identity, for the purpose of any act or proceeding in a court case. The law is aimed at protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings.

This section matters where a false name or identity is used to file, defend, verify, or carry out a step in litigation. The offence is not about casual misrepresentation in daily life. It is about using deception to affect a legal proceeding.

In practice, this can include filing court papers, appearing in court, or causing another person to act as if they were the real party. The law treats such conduct seriously because it can mislead the court and harm the other side’s rights.

Ingredients of Section 242 BNS

  • False personation of another person
  • An act done in that assumed character, including making an admission or statement, confessing judgment, causing process to issue, or becoming bail or security
  • The act taking place in a suit or criminal prosecution

Punishment Under Section 242 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to three years.

Fine

The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. The section fixes no amount.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

False personation for the purpose of an act or proceeding in a suit or prosecution carries imprisonment for up to three years, or fine, or both.

Example of Section 242 BNS

Dev falsely personates Rohan in a pending civil suit before a court. In that assumed character, Dev attends the hearing, makes an admission of liability on the claim, and signs the order sheet as Rohan. Dev is liable under Section 242 BNS because he falsely personated another and in that assumed character made an admission in a suit.

When Section 242 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The accused did not falsely personate another person
  • The accused did not make an admission or statement, confess judgment, cause process to be issued, become bail or security, or do any other act in the assumed character
  • The act was not done in any suit or criminal prosecution

Section 242 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 242 BNS replaces Section 205 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 205 IPC is now Section 242 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

View IPC Section 205 →

FAQs on Section 242 BNS

What does Section 242 BNS punish?▼

It punishes false personation used for a legal act in a suit or criminal case. The focus is on deceiving the court or the parties by pretending to be someone else. Mere use of a wrong name in an unrelated setting will not usually be enough.

Can Section 242 BNS apply if someone files papers in another person’s name?▼

Yes, if the filing or appearance is done by falsely pretending to be that other person for the case. The prosecution must show that the identity was deliberately misused in the legal proceeding. The court looks at the intention and the connection with the case.

Is an actual loss necessary under Section 242 BNS?▼

No, actual loss is not always required. The offence is complete when false personation is used for a legal proceeding with the required intent. The law is meant to stop fraud on the court at an early stage.

What is the punishment under Section 242 BNS?▼

The punishment can extend to 3 years’ imprisonment, or fine, or both. It is a bailable offence. It is also non-cognizable and non-compoundable.

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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 ·