This section applies to any false statement or document.

It only applies to specific 'declarations' that the law (under Section 199 IPC and related provisions) treats as equivalent to evidence given under oath—not to ordinary false statements.

Just making a mistake in a declaration is punishable under this law.

The person must act 'corruptly' and 'knowingly'—meaning they must be aware the declaration is false in an important part, not simply mistaken.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 200

repealed

Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false

Whoever corruptly uses or attempts to use as true any such declaration, knowing the same to be false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.§

Why this exists

Indian law allows certain written declarations (under Section 199 IPC and related procedural laws) to be used in place of sworn oral evidence in some legal or official processes. Because these declarations carry the same weight as evidence given under oath, the law needed a matching punishment for someone who knowingly uses a false declaration as genuine. Section 200 closes this gap, making sure that misusing a false declaration is treated as seriously as lying under oath, preserving trust in documents that substitute for direct testimony.

Common misconceptions

Myth: This section applies to any false statement or document.
Fact: It only applies to specific 'declarations' that the law (under Section 199 IPC and related provisions) treats as equivalent to evidence given under oath—not to ordinary false statements.
Myth: Just making a mistake in a declaration is punishable under this law.
Fact: The person must act 'corruptly' and 'knowingly'—meaning they must be aware the declaration is false in an important part, not simply mistaken.