What Is BNS Section 201?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 201: Public Servant Framing an Incorrect Document with Intent to Cause Injury

Whoever, being a public servant, and being, as such public servant, charged with the preparation or translation of any document or electronic record, frames, prepares, or translates that document or electronic record in a manner which he knows or believes to be incorrect, intending thereby to cause or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury to any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 201 addresses the misconduct of public servants in the preparation or translation of official documents or electronic records. If a public servant intentionally creates or translates a document in an incorrect manner, knowing it could cause harm or injury to an individual, they can face severe legal consequences.

Question & Answers

Q1: What kind of misconduct is covered under Section 201 of the BNS?

A1: Section 201 covers the intentional preparation or translation of incorrect documents or electronic records by public servants, knowing or believing that these inaccuracies could cause harm or injury to another person.

Q2: What are the penalties for violating Section 201?

A2: The penalties for violating Section 201 include imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

Q3: Why is it important to regulate the accuracy of documents prepared by public servants?

A3: Accurate documentation by public servants is crucial for maintaining trust and transparency in public administration. Incorrect documents can lead to misinformation, unfair decisions, or harm to individuals or communities, undermining the integrity of public institutions.

Example

Example Scenario:

If a government official, responsible for preparing a property title document, knowingly records incorrect information with the intent to favor one party over another, they would be violating Section 201. This act could result in up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the situation.

Summary

BNS Section 201 ensures that public servants uphold the integrity of their duties by preparing and translating documents accurately. This provision helps prevent the misuse of authority and protects individuals from the potential harm caused by incorrect official records.