Code:
Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
Explain it:
This section states that whoever, with intent to deceive, issues or signs any certificate, knowing it to be false, is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
The essential elements of this offense are:
- Issuing or signing a certificate
- Knowing the certificate to be false
- Intent to deceive
Illustrate it:
Suppose a person prepares a fake educational certificate to secure a job. This person knows the certificate is false and intends to deceive the employer by presenting it as genuine. In this case, the person commits an offense under Section 197 IPC.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: What are some examples of certificates covered under this section?
A: This section covers a wide range of certificates, including:
- Educational certificates
- Medical certificates
- Character certificates
- Certificates of origin
Q: What is the punishment for this offense?
A: The punishment for this offense is imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine, or both.
Q: Does this offense require any specific intent?
A: Yes, this offense requires the intent to deceive. The person issuing or signing the false certificate must have intended to deceive someone by presenting the false certificate as genuine.
