IPC Section 20
🔹 Section 20 of the Indian Penal Code – "Court of Justice"
⚖️ Text of Section 20 (Simplified):
The words “Court of Justice” mean any person or persons authorized by law to take evidence on oath.
🔍 Detailed Explanation:
Section 20 of the IPC defines what is meant by a "Court of Justice" in the context of the Indian Penal Code.
1. What is a "Court of Justice"?
The phrase “Court of Justice” does not only mean formal courts like the Supreme Court, High Courts, or lower courts.
It means any person or group of persons who are legally empowered to take evidence under oath.
2. Who can be a Court of Justice?
Judges in regular courts.
Magistrates.
Tribunals that have the legal authority to take evidence.
Certain officers or officials specially authorized by law to record statements or evidence under oath.
3. Why is this definition important?
Several offences under IPC involve giving false evidence or obstructing the course of justice before a "Court of Justice."
To apply such sections, it must be clear what qualifies as a "Court of Justice."
4. Scope:
This definition is broad enough to include any legally authorized person or body taking evidence.
It helps in applying laws relating to perjury, giving false evidence, or fabricating evidence before courts or authorized officials.
5. Examples:
If a person lies during testimony in a trial before a judge or magistrate, it is considered an offence because the testimony is given before a “Court of Justice.”
If a witness gives false evidence before a tribunal empowered by law to record evidence, that tribunal is also a “Court of Justice” for the purpose of related offences.
📌 Key Points:
Authority by law is essential. The person or persons must be authorized by law to take evidence on oath.
The definition is not restricted to formal courts but includes any authorized forum.
It lays the foundation for sections dealing with false evidence, perjury, and obstruction of justice.
✅ Summary:
Section 20 IPC clarifies that “Court of Justice” means any legally authorized person(s) or body empowered to take evidence on oath. This broad definition ensures that the IPC’s provisions about false evidence and related offences apply not only in formal courts but also in other legally recognized forums.
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