Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Section 317
Interpreter to be bound to interpret truthfully
When the services of an interpreter are required by any Criminal Court for the interpretation of any evidence or statement, he shall be bound to state the true interpretation of such evidence or statement.
Why this exists
Interpreters act as a crucial bridge for justice across India's many languages. This provision, from Section 282 of the old CrPC, makes truthful interpretation a legal duty, so that a careless or dishonest translation cannot distort a witness's evidence or an accused person's statement.