Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 214
Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
In one line
BNS Section 214 deals with refusing to answer public servant authorised to question and replaces IPC 179.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 214 | Being legally bound to state truth, and refusing to answer public servant authorised to question. | Simple imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both. | Non-cognizable. | Bailable. | The Court in which the offence is committed, subject to the provisions of Chapter XXVIII; or, if not committed, in a Court, any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 214
214. Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question.
Whoever, being legally bound to state the truth on any subject to any public servant, refuses to answer any question demanded of him touching that subject by such public servant in the exercise of the legal powers of such public servant, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 179 → BNS 214: Upper limit of fine is increased from one thousand to five thousand rupees.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 214 in the IPC?
BNS Section 214 (Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question) replaces Section 179 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 179 is now BNS 214.
What is the punishment under BNS 214?
Being legally bound to state truth, and refusing to answer public servant authorised to question – punishable with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by the Court in which the offence is committed, subject to the provisions of Chapter XXVIII; or, if not committed, in a Court, any Magistrate.
Is BNS 214 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 214. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 209 — Non-appearance in response to a proclamation under section 84 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- BNS 210 — Omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person legally bound to produce it
- BNS 211 — Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
- BNS 212 — Furnishing false information
- BNS 213 — Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it
- BNS 215 — Refusing to sign statement
- BNS 216 — False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorised to administer an oath or affirmation
- BNS 217 — False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to injury of another person
- BNS 218 — Resistance to taking of property by lawful authority of a public servant
- BNS 219 — Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant