Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false
What this section does
This section penalises the corrupt use or attempted use of a declaration (as described in section 236) as true, when the person knows it to be false in a material point. An Explanation clarifies that a declaration that is inadmissible only due to an informality still falls within the scope of section 236 and this section.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Same as the punishment for giving false evidence (as applicable under the relevant section).
- Triable by
- Court determined by the applicable false-evidence punishment provision
- Cognizable
- Depends
- Bailable
- Depends
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused used or attempted to use a declaration as true
- The declaration was of the kind described in section 236
- The accused knew the declaration to be false in a material point
- The use was corrupt
Practitioner note
The Explanation ensures that technical inadmissibility due to informality does not shield the accused; the declaration is still covered by this section.
Derived from IPC s.200.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 237, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 237 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.