Section 200 IPC: Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 200 IPC at a Glance

Section 200 IPC deals with using as true such declaration knowing it to be false. It is bailable and non-cognizable; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 237 BNS.

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 193 IPC.

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

BNS Equivalent

Section 237 →

Section 200 IPC Bare Act Text

200. 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 sections 199 and 200.

Source: Section 200, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 200 IPC in Simple Words

Section 200 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes corruptly using, or attempting to use, as true a declaration of the kind described in Section 199 IPC, knowing it to be false in a material point. The offender is punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.

A declaration that is inadmissible merely upon the ground of some informality is still a declaration within the meaning of Sections 199 and 200 IPC. The offence is non-cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by the court by which the offence of giving false evidence is triable.

Ingredients of Section 200 IPC

The accused used, or attempted to use, a declaration as true
The declaration is one of the kind described in Section 199 IPC
The accused acted corruptly
The declaration was false in a material point
The accused knew that the declaration was false in that point

Punishment Under Section 200 IPC

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 193 IPC.

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 200 IPC

In 2020 in Kochi, Anita applied for a scholarship before an education officer, a public servant authorised by law to receive signed income declarations as evidence of family earnings. Anita's uncle had subscribed a declaration falsely stating that the family had no agricultural income, which was a material point. Knowing that the declaration was false in that material point, Anita corruptly submitted and used it as true before the officer, despite a minor informality in its attestation. Anita is punishable under Section 200 IPC.

When Section 200 IPC Does Not Apply

Section 200 IPC does not apply when the person neither uses nor attempts to use the declaration as true.
Section 200 IPC does not apply if the document is not a declaration that a Court of Justice, public servant, or other person is bound or authorised by law to receive as evidence under Section 199 IPC.
Section 200 IPC does not apply where the person presents the declaration honestly without acting corruptly.
Section 200 IPC does not apply when the person using the declaration does not know that it is false in a material point.
Section 200 IPC does not apply if the person only made or subscribed the false statement in the declaration without using it, as that act is covered by Section 199 IPC.

Section 200 IPC in the BNS

Section 200 IPC is now covered under Section 237 BNS.

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 detailed comparison (IPC 200 vs BNS 237) →

FAQs on Section 200 IPC

What does Section 200 IPC provide?▼

It punishes corruptly using, or attempting to use, as true a declaration of the kind described in Section 199 IPC, knowing it to be false in a material point.

What is the punishment under Section 200 IPC?▼

Section 200 IPC sets no term of its own. It applies the punishment for giving false evidence.

How does Section 200 IPC differ from Section 199 IPC?▼

Section 199 IPC punishes making the false statement in the declaration. Section 200 IPC punishes corruptly using, or attempting to use, such a declaration as true.

What state of mind does Section 200 IPC require?▼

The accused must act corruptly and must know that the declaration is false in a material point.

Does a defect of form take a declaration outside Section 200 IPC?▼

No. The Explanation says that a declaration inadmissible merely upon the ground of some informality remains a declaration within the meaning of Sections 199 and 200 IPC.

Is an offence under Section 200 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼

It is non-cognizable and bailable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 200 IPC?▼

The court by which the offence of giving false evidence is triable.

Can an offence under Section 200 IPC be compounded?▼

No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 200 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 237 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 ·