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IPC Section 197 - Issuing or signing false certificate
Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
Please refer to BNS 234 for updated procedures & punishments.
Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
IPC 197 in Simple Words
In simple words, Section 197 of the Indian Penal Code states that if someone issues or signs a false certificate related to a fact that is legally admissible as evidence, they will be punished as if they had given false evidence.
Issuing or signing false certificate
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence | As for False Evidence | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | As for False Evidence |
Offence : Knowingly issuing or signing a false certificate relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence
Punishment : As for False Evidence
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : As for False Evidence
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What is Section 197 IPC?
Anyone who issues or signs a certificate that is required to be signed or given by law, or that relates to a fact for which the certificate is admissible as evidence by law, knowing or believing it to be false in a material aspect, will be punished in likewise manner if they gave false testimony.
