This law only applies if someone pretends to be a famous or important person.

It applies to impersonating *any* person, not just important figures — what matters is that the impersonation happens during a legal process like a court case.

You must cause harm or financial loss for this crime to apply.

The law only requires that a person falsely pretend to be someone else and act in that false identity during legal proceedings — actual harm or loss is not a required element under this section's text.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 205

repealed

False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution

Whoever falsely personates another, and in such assumed character makes any admission or statement, or confesses judgment, or causes any process to be issued or becomes bail or security, or does any other act in any suit or criminal prosecution, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.§

Why this exists

Indian courts and legal processes depend on people being truthfully identified — whether they are witnesses, parties, sureties, or accused persons. If someone could impersonate another individual in legal proceedings without punishment, it would let people escape liability, frame innocent parties, or manipulate court outcomes fraudulently. Section 205 was included in the original Indian Penal Code of 1860 to protect the integrity of judicial and quasi-judicial processes by criminalizing impersonation that results in real legal consequences, such as false admissions, judgments, or bail arrangements.

Common misconceptions

Myth: This law only applies if someone pretends to be a famous or important person.
Fact: It applies to impersonating *any* person, not just important figures — what matters is that the impersonation happens during a legal process like a court case.
Myth: You must cause harm or financial loss for this crime to apply.
Fact: The law only requires that a person falsely pretend to be someone else and act in that false identity during legal proceedings — actual harm or loss is not a required element under this section's text.