Section 209 IPC: Dishonestly making false claim in Court
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 209 IPC at a Glance
Section 209 IPC deals with dishonestly making false claim in Court. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 246 BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.
Section 209 IPC Bare Act Text
209. Dishonestly making false claim in Court
Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a Court of Justice any claim which he knows to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Source: Section 209, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 209 IPC in Simple Words
Section 209 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes making any claim in a Court of Justice which the person knows to be false. The claim must be made fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person.
The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and the offender is also liable to fine. The offence is non-cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.
Ingredients of Section 209 IPC
- The accused made a claim in a Court of Justice
- The accused knew that the claim was false
- The accused made the claim fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person
Punishment Under Section 209 IPC
Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.
The offender is also liable to fine. The section fixes no amount.
Making a claim in court known to be false carries imprisonment for up to two years and fine.
Example of Section 209 IPC
When Section 209 IPC Does Not Apply
- The false demand is made privately or before a forum that is not a Court of Justice.
- The claimant honestly believes the claim is valid and does not know it to be false when making it.
- The claim is presented without fraud, dishonesty, or any intention to injure or annoy any person.
Section 209 IPC in the BNS
Section 209 IPC is now covered under Section 246 BNS.
Section 209 IPC is now Section 246 BNS. The words Court of Justice become Court, while the punishment remains imprisonment for up to two years and fine.
View detailed comparison (IPC 209 vs BNS 246) →FAQs on Section 209 IPC
What does Section 209 IPC provide?▼
It punishes whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a Court of Justice any claim which he knows to be false.
What is the punishment under Section 209 IPC?▼
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and liability to fine.
What mental element must be proved under Section 209 IPC?▼
The accused must know the claim to be false, and must act fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person.
Does Section 209 IPC require that the claim be made in court?▼
Yes. The claim must be made in a Court of Justice.
Is an offence under Section 209 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
It is non-cognizable and bailable.
Which court tries an offence under Section 209 IPC?▼
A Magistrate of the first class.
Can an offence under Section 209 IPC be compounded?▼
No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 209 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 246 BNS.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·