IPC Section 182 - False Information with Intent to Cause Public Servant to Use His Lawful Power to the Injury of Another Person

Whoever gives to any public servant any information which he knows or believes to be false, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, such public servant to use the lawful power of such public servant to the injury or annoyance of any person, or to do or omit anything which such public servant ought not to do, or to omit to do anything which such public servant ought to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description 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 gives to any public servant any information which he knows or believes to be false, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, such public servant to use the lawful power of such public servant to the injury or annoyance of any person, or to do or omit anything which such public servant ought not to do, or to omit to do anything which such public servant ought to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description 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 gave information to a public servant.
  • The information was false.
  • They knew or believed it to be false.
  • They intended to cause misuse of public power.

Potential Defenses:

  • The accused had no knowledge of the falsity.
  • No misuse of public power was intended.
  • The information was not false.
  • The accused had a legitimate purpose.

Practical Examples

What Constitutes the Offense:

A person giving false information to police to get someone arrested, or providing fake documents to cause harassment.

What Doesn't Constitute:

A person making a genuine complaint, 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 with the intent to misuse public power.

Punishment

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

Related Information

Connected Sections:

This section deals with misuse of public power through false information. It is often charged alongside other fraud offenses.

Procedural Aspects:

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

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