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IPC, 1860
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IPCChapter IXSection 170
Section170

Personating a public servant

AI Assist

Summary

Pretending to hold a public office, or impersonating someone who does, and then doing or attempting acts under that false authority is an offence when done knowingly. The offence attracts imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both. It covers any act done under the colour of the assumed office.

Example

Ravi puts on a uniform and tells shopkeepers he is a municipal inspector, serves a notice and tries to collect a penalty. Because he is falsely personating an official and acts under that false authority, he can be prosecuted and face up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever pretends to hold any particular office as 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 may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

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IX

Chapter IX

Of Offences by or Relating to Public Servants

In this chapter

  • 161(Repealed)
  • 162(Repealed)
  • 163(Repealed)
  • 164(Repealed)
  • 165(Repealed)
  • 165A(Repealed)
  • 166Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person
  • 166APublic Servant disobeying direction under Law 1
  • 166BPunishment for non treatment of victim 1
  • 167Public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury
  • 168Public servant unlawfully engaging in trade
  • 169Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for property
  • 170Personating a public servant
  • 171Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent
Previous · Section 169Public servant unlawfully buying or bidding for propertyNext · Section 171Wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent