CrPC Section 182
Section 182 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 – False Information, Causing Investigation
Overview:
Section 182 of the CrPC deals with the penalty for giving false information to a public servant which causes the public servant to initiate an investigation or take official action. It aims to deter people from wasting police or government resources by providing false or misleading information.
Text of Section 182 (Simplified):
Whoever knowingly and willfully gives false information to any public servant:
Intending to cause the public servant to use their lawful power to investigate or take action,
Shall be punished with imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine, or both.
Detailed Explanation:
Purpose of Section 182:
To prevent abuse of the legal and administrative machinery by false complaints or misinformation.
To protect public servants from being misled into unnecessary investigations or actions.
Who Is a Public Servant?
Includes police officers, government officials, and anyone performing a public duty.
Nature of the Offence:
The offence is intentional and knowing.
The person must know the information is false and intend to cause the public servant to act on it.
Effect of False Information:
If the false information causes the public servant to start an investigation or take some lawful action (like arrest, seizure, search), this section applies.
Punishment:
Imprisonment for up to six months,
Or a fine,
Or both.
Distinction from Other Sections:
Different from providing false evidence (which is covered under the Indian Penal Code).
Focuses specifically on false information that prompts official action.
Practical Implications:
Filing a false police complaint knowingly can lead to prosecution under Section 182.
False tip-offs that cause police to investigate or arrest someone can attract penalties.
Acts as a deterrent to frivolous or malicious use of law enforcement resources.
Summary:
Section 182 of the CrPC punishes anyone who knowingly gives false information to a public servant that leads to investigation or official action. The goal is to prevent misuse of authority and ensure that public servants are not misled by false reports.
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