SECTION 182 OF IPC FOR FALSE INFORMATION: ALL ABOUT YOU WANT TO KNOW
Section 182 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of giving false information to a public servant. It is intended to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process and prevent the abuse of legal proceedings by individuals who knowingly provide false information to public servants.
Here is a complete overview of Section 182 of the Indian Penal Code:
Title: Giving false information to a public servant, with the intent to cause injury or save someone from legal punishment
Section Number: Section 182
Offense: Giving false information to a public servant
Punishment: The punishment for the offense under Section 182 is prescribed under Section 177 of the IPC, which states that whoever gives false information to any public servant, with the intention of causing a wrongful gain to themselves or wrongful loss to another person, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months, or with a fine that may extend to one thousand rupees (INR), or both.
Cognizable or Non-cognizable: Section 182 is a non-cognizable offense. This means that a police officer cannot arrest a person without a warrant for this offense unless it is committed in the presence of the police officer.
Bailable or Non-bailable: Section 182 is a bailable offense. The person accused of this offense is entitled to bail as a matter of right.
Compoundable or Non-compoundable: Section 182 is a compoundable offense. This means that the complainant (the public servant who received the false information) can enter into a compromise or settlement with the accused, and the case can be withdrawn upon mutual agreement.
Explanation and Application: According to Section 182, if any person intentionally provides false information to a public servant, through any means such as orally, in writing, or electronically, with the intent to cause injury to another person or to protect someone from legal punishment, they shall be held liable for the offense. The false information can be related to an offense or a contravention of law, and the person providing the information must know or believe it to be false.
The provision of Section 182 applies to various public servants, including but not limited to police officers, judges, magistrates, government officials, and any person legally bound to furnish information to a public servant.
It is important to note that the false information must be given intentionally, with the specific intent to cause injury or save someone from legal punishment. Mere negligence or a mistake in providing information does not attract the provisions of Section 182. The accused person must have a deliberate and malicious intention behind providing false information.
Example: Suppose a person files a false complaint with the police stating that their neighbor has committed theft, knowing fully well that it is untrue and with the intention of causing harm to the neighbor. In that case, the person can be charged under Section 182 of the IPC for giving false information to a public servant.