Section 171 IPC: Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171 IPC at a Glance

Section 171 IPC deals with wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 205 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to three months.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 205 →

Section 171 IPC Bare Act Text

171. Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent

Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.

Source: Section 171, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171 IPC in Simple Words

Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes a person who does not belong to a certain class of public servants and wears a garb or carries a token resembling the garb or token used by that class, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to three months, or fine up to two hundred rupees, or both.

The offence is cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by any Magistrate.

Ingredients of Section 171 IPC

  • The accused did not belong to a certain class of public servants
  • The accused wore a garb or carried a token resembling a garb or token used by that class of public servants
  • The accused did so with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants

Punishment Under Section 171 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to three months.

Fine

The offender may be punished with fine up to two hundred rupees alone or with both imprisonment and fine.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Wearing a garb or carrying a token of a class of public servants one does not belong to, with the stated intention or knowledge, carries imprisonment for up to three months, or fine up to two hundred rupees, or both.

Example of Section 171 IPC

In 2017 in Bhopal, Sameer worked as a private travel agent and did not belong to the class of railway ticket examiners, who are public servants. While boarding an express train at Bhopal station, Sameer wore a black coat with brass insignia and carried an official-looking metal badge closely resembling the garb and token used by railway ticket examiners, intending that passengers would believe he belonged to that class of public servants. Because Sameer did not belong to that class of public servants and wore a resembling garb and carried a resembling token with that intention, Sameer is punishable under Section 171 IPC.

When Section 171 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The person wearing the uniform or carrying the badge is an actual member of that class of public servants.
  • The clothing worn or item carried bears no resemblance to any garb or token used by a class of public servants.
  • An actor wears a costume resembling a public servant's uniform in a stage play without intending or knowing that anyone is likely to believe he belongs to that class of public servants.
  • The person claims to hold a specific public office and performs or attempts an act under the authority of that office, which falls under Section 170 IPC.

Section 171 IPC in the BNS

Section 171 IPC is now covered under Section 205 BNS.

Section 171 IPC is now Section 205 BNS, with the same title and the same words for the offence. The only change is the fine, whose ceiling rises from two hundred rupees to five thousand rupees.

View detailed comparison (IPC 171 vs BNS 205) →

FAQs on Section 171 IPC

What does Section 171 IPC provide?▼

It punishes a person not belonging to a certain class of public servants who wears a garb or carries a token resembling one used by that class, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class.

What is the punishment under Section 171 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for up to three months, or fine up to two hundred rupees, or both.

How does Section 171 IPC differ from Section 170 IPC?▼

Section 170 IPC punishes pretending to hold a particular office as a public servant, or falsely personating another holder of the office, and in that assumed character doing or attempting to do an act under colour of the office. Section 171 IPC punishes wearing a garb or carrying a token resembling one used by a class of public servants, with the stated intention or knowledge.

What state of mind does Section 171 IPC require?▼

The intention that it may be believed, or the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that the accused belongs to that class of public servants.

Is an offence under Section 171 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼

It is cognizable and bailable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 171 IPC?▼

Any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 171 IPC be compounded?▼

No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 171 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 205 BNS.

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

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·