Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question
Full Text
214. Refusing to answer public servant authorised to question.—Whoever, being legally bound to state the truth on any subject to any public servant, refuses to answer any question demanded of him touching that subject by such public servant in the exercise of the legal powers of such public servant, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Plain English Summary
This section penalizes the refusal to answer questions related to a subject on which a person is legally bound to tell the truth to a public servant.
Key Legal Elements
- Legally bound to state the truth on a subject to a public servant
- Refuses to answer questions touching that subject
- Questions asked by a public servant exercising legal powers
Punishment
Simple imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to ₹5,000.
Practical Note
The person must be legally bound to tell the truth (e.g. under BNSS or CPC provisions). Under Article 20(3) of the Constitution, a person cannot be forced to answer self-incriminating questions.
हिंदी पाठ
214. प्रश्न पूछने के लिए प्राधिकृत लोक सेवक को उत्तर देने से इनकार करना।—जो कोई, किसी विषय पर किसी लोक सेवक को सत्य कथन करने के लिए कानूनी रूप से बाध्य होते हुए, ऐसे लोक सेवक द्वारा अपने कानूनी अधिकारों के प्रयोग में उस विषय के संबंध में उससे पूछे गए किसी प्रश्न का उत्तर देने से इनकार करेगा, उसे साधारण कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि छह महीने तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, जो पांच हजार रुपये तक का हो सकेगा, या दोनों से दंडित किया जाएगा।