Whoever gives to any public servant any information which he knows or believes to be false, intending thereby to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause such public servant –
- to do or omit anything which such public servant ought not to do or omit if the true state of facts respecting which such information is given were known by him, or
- to use the lawful power of such public servant 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.
Illustrations
- A informs a Magistrate that Z, a police-officer, subordinate to such Magistrate, has been guilty of neglect of duty or misconduct, knowing such information to be false, and knowing it to be likely that the information will cause the Magistrate to dismiss Z. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
- A falsely informs a public servant that Z has contraband salt in a secret place, knowing such information to be false, and knowing that it is likely that the consequence of the information will be a search of Z’ premises, attended with annoyance to Z. A has committed the offence defined in this section.
- A falsely informs a policeman that he has been assaulted and robbed in the neighborhood of a particular village. He does not mention the name of any person as one of his assailants, but knows it to be likely that in consequence of this information the police will make enquiries and institute searches in the village to the annoyance of the villagers or some of them. A has committed an offence under this section.
IPC Section 182: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 182 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with “False information, with intent to cause a public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person.” This offence occurs when a person provides false information to a public servant, knowing or believing it to be false, with the intent that the public servant will act upon that information in a way that will cause injury or annoyance to any person or will cause the public servant to use his lawful power to the injury or annoyance of any person.
This section is designed to prevent individuals from manipulating public servants into taking actions that unjustly harm others. Thus, it maintains the integrity of public administration and protects individuals from malicious actions.
Is IPC Section 182 bailable?
IPC Section 182 is a bailable offence. This means an individual arrested under this section can secure their release on bail while awaiting further legal proceedings.
IPC Section 182 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 182 includes simple imprisonment for a term extending to six months, with a fine extending to one thousand rupees or both.
Example of IPC Section 182
A real-life example of IPC Section 182 could involve a person falsely reporting a crime against a neighbour due to a personal grudge. Suppose they knowingly provide incorrect information to the police to initiate an investigation or arrest, thereby causing harm or annoyance to the neighbour. In that case, they commit an offence under this section. Another instance might be someone falsely claiming a business competitor is engaging in illegal activities, prompting regulatory authorities to take unnecessary actions against that competitor.
