Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent) corresponds to Section 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 205 is cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both.
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed earlier are charged and tried under the IPC.
205. Whoever, not belonging to a certain class of public servants, wears any garb or carries any token resembling any garb or token used by that class of public servants, with the intention that it may be believed, or with the knowledge that it is likely to be believed, that he belongs to that class of public servants, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
OF CONTEMPTS OF THE LAWFUL AUTHORITY OF PUBLIC SERVANTS