IPC Section 182: False Information to Harm Another via Public Servant

1. Code

Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 182: Whoever gives to any public servant any information which he knows to be false, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, such public servant to use his lawful power 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.