214. 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.
BNS Section 214: Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
Section 214 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with refusing to answer public servant authorised to question. It replaces IPC 179 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 214 is non-cognizable and bailable.
Bail, cognizability and punishment
| 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: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
Text of BNS Section 214
IPC sections replaced
- IPC 179: Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
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