Personating a public servant
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Summary
A person who, knowing they do not hold a public office, pretends to hold that office or falsely personates someone who does, and in that assumed character does or attempts any act under colour of that office, is punishable with imprisonment for not less than six months and up to three years, and with fine. The offence is cognizable and non-bailable. It is triable by any magistrate.
Example
Priya poses as a municipal inspector and tells a shopkeeper she will seal the shop unless a payment is made; she never held that office. Under this provision she can be punished with imprisonment for six months to three years and a fine; the offence is cognizable and non-bailable.
Bare Act
Enacted textWhoever 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.
BNSS Classification
- Imprisonment for not less than 6 months but which may extend to 3 years and fine
- Cognizable
- Non-bailable
- Triable by Any Magistrate.
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