Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
AI Assist
Summary
If a person who is legally required to tell the truth refuses to answer a question put by a public servant acting under legal authority, they commit an offence. Penalty is simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine up to Rs 5,000, or both. The offence is non-cognizable, bailable, and tried by the court for the place where it happened or by a magistrate.
Example
Priya is questioned by a municipal officer during an inspection and is legally required to answer about changes to her shop. She refuses to reply to a specific question. She can face up to six months simple imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both; the offence is non-cognizable and bailable and would be tried by the local court.
Bare Act
Enacted textWhoever, 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.
BNSS Classification
- Simple imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both.
- Non-cognizable
- 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.
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