IPC Section 177 - Furnishing False Information

Whoever, being legally bound to furnish information on any subject to any public servant, as such, furnishes, as true, information on the subject which he knows or has reason to believe to be false, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

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Bailable, Non-cognizable

Official Text

“Whoever, being legally bound to furnish information on any subject to any public servant, as such, furnishes, as true, information on the subject which he knows or has reason to believe to be false, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.”

Legal Analysis

Elements to Prove:

  • The accused was legally bound to furnish information.
  • They furnished information they knew or had reason to believe was false.
  • The information was furnished to a public servant.
  • The falsity was intentional and not accidental.

Potential Defenses:

  • The accused was not legally bound to furnish information.
  • The accused had no knowledge of the falsity.
  • The information was not furnished to a public servant.
  • The accused had a reasonable belief in the truth of the information.

Practical Examples

What Constitutes the Offense:

A person giving false information in a police complaint, or providing incorrect details in government forms.

What Doesn't Constitute:

A person making an honest mistake, or providing information they believe to be true.

Important Case Laws

State of Maharashtra v. Dr. Anil Vasantrao Deshmukh (2021)

The Supreme Court emphasized that this section applies to providing false information to public servants with knowledge of its falsity.

Punishment

Simple imprisonment for up to 6 months, or Fine up to ₹1,000, or both

Related Information

Connected Sections:

This section deals with providing false information. It is often charged alongside perjury and fraud offenses.

Procedural Aspects:

No government sanction is required. The case is triable by any Magistrate.

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