Code
1[182. False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person.— Whoever gives to any public servant any information which he knows or believes to be false, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, such public servant
(a) to do or omit anything which such public servant ought not to do or omit if the true state of facts respecting which such information is given were known by him, or
(b) to use the lawful power of such public servant to the injury or annoyance of any person,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Illustrations
(a) A informs a Magistrate that Z, a police-officer, subordinate to such Magistrate, has been guilty of neglect of duty or misconduct, knowing such information to be false, and knowing it to be likely that the information will cause the Magistrate to dismiss Z. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(b) A falsely informs a public servant that Z has contraband salt in a secret place, knowing such information to be false, and knowing that it is likely that the consequence of the information will be a search of Z’s premises, attended with annoyance to Z. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
(c) A falsely informs a policeman that he has been assaulted and robbed in the neighbourhood of a particular village. He does not mention the name of any person as one of his assailants, but knows it to be likely that in consequence of this information the police will make enquiries and institute searches in the village to the annoyance of the villagers or some of them. A has committed an offence under this section.]
Explanation
This section addresses the act of intentionally providing false information to a public servant with the aim of causing harm or annoyance to another individual. The key elements of this offense are:
- Providing false information: The information given must be known to be false by the person providing it.
- Public servant: The recipient of the information must be a public servant, meaning an individual holding a government office.
- Intention to harm: The person providing the false information must intend to cause harm or annoyance to another individual.
- Public servant’s lawful power: The false information must be likely to cause the public servant to use their official power to the detriment of the intended victim.
Illustration
Suppose A, with the intention of getting B’s shop closed, falsely informs the local police officer that B is selling illegal goods. The police officer, believing A’s information, raids B’s shop, causing significant financial loss and inconvenience to B. In this scenario, A has committed an offense under Section 182 of the IPC.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between Section 182 and Section 193?
A: Section 182 deals with providing false information to a public servant intending to harm someone else. Section 193, on the other hand, addresses giving false evidence in a judicial proceeding, which is a more serious offense.
Q: Can I be punished under Section 182 if I didn’t know the information I gave was false?
A: No, this section requires that the person giving the information knows it to be false. If you genuinely believed the information to be true, you wouldn’t be liable under this section.
Q: What are the potential consequences of being convicted under Section 182?
A: A conviction under Section 182 can result in imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to one thousand rupees, or both.
