204. Whoever pretends to hold any particular office as a public servant, knowing that he does not hold such office or falsely personates any other person holding such office, and in such assumed character does or attempts to do any act under colour of such office, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to three years and with fine.
BNS Section 204: Personating a public servant
Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with personating a public servant. It replaces IPC 170 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 204 is cognizable and non-bailable.
Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204 | Personating a public servant. | Imprisonment for not less than 6 months but which may extend to 3 years and fine. | Cognizable | Non-bailable | Any Magistrate |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
Text of BNS Section 204
IPC sections replaced
- IPC 170: Personating a public servant
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