Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture
What this section does
Punishes a public servant who, while charged with preparing a record or writing, frames it in a manner he knows to be incorrect, with intent to cause loss or injury to the public or any person, or to save a person from legal punishment, or to save property from forfeiture or a legal charge. The offence is limited to public servants in their official capacity as record-preparers.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Accused is a public servant charged with preparation of a record or other writing
- Accused framed the record or writing in a manner he knew to be incorrect
- The act was done with intent to cause loss or injury to the public or any person, OR with intent to save a person from legal punishment, OR with intent to save property from forfeiture or a legal charge, OR with knowledge that such consequences were likely
Practitioner note
The section requires knowledge of incorrectness at the time of framing — inadvertent errors are not covered. It applies specifically to public servants tasked with record or document preparation.
Derived from IPC s.218.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 256, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 256 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.