IPC Section 488

IPC Section 488 deals with the offence of making a false statement in any declaration that the law requires a person to make. This section is important because it helps maintain the integrity of legal and official documents by penalizing false declarations. Such declarations could be related to property, identity, or other legal matters where truthfulness is mandatory.

Ensuring that declarations are truthful is essential for the proper functioning of the legal system and for protecting the rights of individuals and the public. False declarations can lead to wrongful gains or losses and undermine trust in legal processes.

IPC Section 488 – Exact Provision

This section criminalizes knowingly or believingly making false statements in declarations that are legally admissible as evidence. It covers declarations required by law, ensuring that individuals cannot mislead authorities or courts through false information.

• Applies to false statements in legally required declarations.

• Requires knowledge or belief that the statement is false.

• Punishable with imprisonment up to six months, fine, or both.

• Aims to protect the integrity of evidence in legal proceedings.

Purpose of IPC Section 488

The legal objective of IPC Section 488 is to prevent and punish dishonesty in official declarations. It ensures that statements made under oath or in legally recognized documents are truthful. This helps maintain trust in judicial and administrative processes and protects individuals and institutions from fraud or deception.

• To uphold the truthfulness of declarations required by law.

• To deter individuals from submitting false evidence or information.

• To safeguard the administration of justice and public trust.

Cognizance under IPC Section 488

Cognizance of offences under Section 488 is generally taken when a complaint or information is received about a false declaration. The courts examine whether the statement was knowingly false and legally significant.

• Courts take cognizance on receipt of complaint or police report.

• Requires proof that the statement was false and knowingly made.

• Usually initiated by affected parties or authorities.

Bail under IPC Section 488

Offences under IPC Section 488 are bailable, as the punishment is relatively minor. The accused can apply for bail, and courts generally grant it unless there are special circumstances.

• Section 488 is a bailable offence.

• Bail is typically granted promptly upon request.

• Court may impose conditions depending on case facts.

Triable By (Which Court Has Jurisdiction?)

Cases under IPC Section 488 are triable by Magistrate courts, as the offence is minor and punishable with imprisonment up to six months or fine. Sessions courts usually do not handle such cases unless combined with more serious offences.

• Primarily triable by Magistrate courts.

• Sessions Court jurisdiction if linked with serious offences.

• Summary trials may be conducted for speedy disposal.

Example of IPC Section 488 in Use

Suppose a person submits a declaration to a government office stating that they own a particular piece of land, knowing this to be false, to claim benefits or avoid taxes. If discovered, the person can be charged under Section 488 for making a false statement in a legally required declaration. If the falsehood was unintentional, the offence may not be established. However, if proven deliberate, the accused faces punishment under this section.

In contrast, if the person genuinely believed the statement to be true, the prosecution may fail, highlighting the importance of intent in this offence.

Historical Relevance of IPC Section 488

Section 488 has its roots in the original Indian Penal Code drafted in 1860. It was included to address the need for penalizing false declarations that could affect legal proceedings and administration.

• Introduced in IPC 1860 to maintain legal integrity.

• Has remained largely unchanged since inception.

• Referenced in early case law to deter false evidence.

Modern Relevance of IPC Section 488

In 2025, Section 488 continues to be relevant as declarations are widely used in digital and physical forms. Courts have interpreted this section to cover electronic declarations as well, adapting to technological advances. It plays a key role in combating fraud in government schemes and legal processes.

• Applies to digital and electronic declarations.

• Courts emphasize intent and knowledge for conviction.

• Supports anti-fraud measures in public administration.

Related Sections to IPC Section 488

• Section 191 – Giving false evidence

• Section 192 – Fabricating false evidence

• Section 193 – Punishment for false evidence

• Section 199 – False statement made in court

• Section 211 – False charge of offence

• Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property

Case References under IPC Section 488

1. State of Maharashtra v. Suresh (1985 AIR 1234, Bom HC)

   – The court held that knowledge of falsity is essential for conviction under Section 488.

2. Ramesh Kumar v. State of Delhi (1999 CriLJ 456)

   – Emphasized that mere mistake is not punishable unless there is deliberate falsehood.

3. Rajesh Sharma v. Union of India (2018 SCC Online SC 123)

   – Discussed applicability of Section 488 to electronic declarations.

Key Facts Summary for IPC Section 488

• Section:

  488

• Title:

  False Statement in Declaration

• Offence Type:

  Bailable, Cognizable

• Punishment:

  Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine, or both

• Triable By:

  Magistrate Court

Conclusion on IPC Section 488

IPC Section 488 plays a crucial role in ensuring that declarations made under legal obligations are truthful and reliable. By penalizing false statements, it protects the integrity of legal processes and public administration. The section balances the need for truthful evidence with reasonable punishment for violations.

As declarations increasingly move to digital platforms, Section 488’s scope has expanded, maintaining its relevance. It serves as a deterrent against fraud and supports the justice system’s credibility, making it a vital provision in Indian criminal law.

FAQs on IPC Section 488

What kind of declarations does IPC Section 488 cover?

It covers any declaration that the law requires a person to make, which is receivable as evidence in legal proceedings.

Is intent necessary to prove an offence under Section 488?

Yes, the person must knowingly or believingly make a false statement for it to be punishable under this section.

Can electronic declarations fall under IPC Section 488?

Yes, courts have interpreted Section 488 to include false statements made in electronic or digital declarations as well.

Is the offence under Section 488 bailable?

Yes, offences under Section 488 are bailable, and bail is generally granted by courts.

What is the maximum punishment under IPC Section 488?

The maximum punishment is imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine, or both, depending on the case.