Section 215 of the New Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertains to the act of refusing to sign a statement when legally required to do so by a public servant. This section is part of Chapter XIII, which addresses contempt of lawful authority of public servants.
Key Provisions of Section 215 BNS
- Definition: The section states that anyone who is legally bound to provide truthful information and refuses to sign a statement when required by a competent public servant is committing an offense.
- Punishments: The penalties for this refusal include:
- Simple imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months, or
- A fine that may extend to three thousand rupees, or
- Both imprisonment and fine.
Comparison with Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Section 215 of the BNS has similarities with Section 180 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which also addresses the refusal to sign statements. However, there are notable differences in the penalties:
- BNS Penalty: Up to three months imprisonment or a fine of up to three thousand rupees.
- IPC Penalty: Up to three months imprisonment or a fine of up to five hundred rupees.
This section aims to uphold the integrity of legal processes by ensuring compliance with lawful requests from public servants, thereby reinforcing the rule of law in India.
Adv Ashish Sharma has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses navigate the intricate legal landscape with confidence. From providing expert advice on current legal issues to offering clear explanations of legal principles, he strives to empower his audience with knowledge and understanding.
