The worst that can happen if you file a false claim is that the case simply gets dismissed.

Knowingly filing a false claim in court, done fraudulently or to harass someone, is itself a criminal offence carrying up to two years in prison plus a fine.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 246

Dishonestly making false claim in Court

Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to injure or annoy any person, makes in a Court any claim which he knows to be false, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine.§

Why this exists

Courts must be able to trust that the claims parties bring before them are made in good faith. This provision, earlier Section 209 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, discourages people from filing knowingly false claims purely to harass, pressure, or defraud another party through the litigation process itself.

Common misconceptions

Myth: The worst that can happen if you file a false claim is that the case simply gets dismissed.
Fact: Knowingly filing a false claim in court, done fraudulently or to harass someone, is itself a criminal offence carrying up to two years in prison plus a fine.