Section 240 · Giving false information respecting an offence committed
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Whoever, knowing or having
reason to believe that an offence has been committed, gives any information respecting that offence
which he knows or believes to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a
term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation.—In sections 238 and 239 and in this section the word "offence" includes any act committed at any place out of India, which, if committed in India, would be punishable under any of the following sections, namely, 103, 105, 307, sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) of section 309, sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of section 310, 311, 312, clauses (f) and (g) of section 326, sub-sections (4), (6), (7) and (8) of section 331, clauses (a) and (b) of section 332.
Explanation.—In sections 238 and 239 and in this section the word "offence" includes any act committed at any place out of India, which, if committed in India, would be punishable under any of the following sections, namely, 103, 105, 307, sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) of section 309, sub-sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of section 310, 311, 312, clauses (f) and (g) of section 326, sub-sections (4), (6), (7) and (8) of section 331, clauses (a) and (b) of section 332.
The offence at a glance
- Punishment
- up to 2 years, fine (no stated ceiling)
- Cognizable
- Non-cognizable
- Bailable
- Bailable
- Compoundable
- Not compoundable
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Non-cognizable — Police cannot investigate without a Magistrate's order
- Bailable — Bail is your right — it can be granted at the police station
From the First Schedule to the BNSS (the CrPC's, for IPC offences)
Under the old law
BNS 240IPC 203
203. Giving false information respecting an offence committed.
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Related sections of law
- RelatedBNS §238Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender.
- RelatedBNS §309Robbery.
- RelatedBNS §310Dacoity.
- RelatedBNS §326Mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance, etc.
- RelatedBNS §331Punishment for house-trespass or house-breaking.
- RelatedBNS §332House-trespass in order to commit offence.