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IPC, 1860
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IPCChapter XSection 178
Section178

Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it

AI Assist

Summary

Refusing to bind oneself by oath or affirmation to tell the truth when a legally competent public servant requires it is an offence. It applies where an authorised public servant asks a person to swear or affirm to state the truth. The penalty can be simple imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to Rs.1000, or both.

Example

Rohan is summoned by a magistrate to give evidence in a trial and is asked to take an oath to tell the truth. Rohan refuses to take the oath. He may be punished with up to six months simple imprisonment, a fine up to Rs.1000, or both.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever refuses to bind himself by an oath or affirmation to state the truth, when required so to bind himself by a public servant legally competent to require that he shall so bind himself, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

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X

Chapter X

Of Contempts of the Lawful Authority of Public Servants

In this chapter

  • 172Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding
  • 173Preventing service of summons or other proceeding, or preventing publication thereof
  • 174Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant
  • 175Omission to produce document to public servant by person legally bound to produce it
  • 176Omission to give notice or information to public servant by person legally bound to give it
  • 177Furnishing false information
  • 178Refusing oath or affirmation when duly required by public servant to make it
  • 179Refusing to answer public servant authorized to question
  • 180Refusing to sign statement
  • 181False statement on oath or affirmation to public servant or person authorized to administer an oath or affirmation
  • 182False information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person
  • 183Resistance to the taking of property by the lawful authority of a public servant
  • 184Obstructing sale of property offered for sale by authority of public servant
  • 185Illegal purchase or bid for property offered for sale by authority of public servant
  • 186Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
  • 187Omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance
  • 188Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant
  • 189Threat of injury to public servant
  • 190Threat of injury to induce person to refrain from applying for protection to public servant
Previous · Section 177Furnishing false informationNext · Section 179Refusing to answer public servant authorized to question