This section only applies to lying while giving testimony in court.

This section is about creating false documents, records, or situations meant to be used as evidence — not about lying verbally under oath, which is covered separately under Section 191 (giving false evidence).

You must succeed in deceiving the judge for this offence to apply.

The offence is complete once the false evidence is fabricated with the intended purpose, whether or not it actually deceives anyone or affects the outcome.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 192

repealed

Fabricating false evidence

Whoever causes any circumstance to exist or makes any false entry in any book or record, or makes any false entry in any book or record, or electronic record or makes any document or electronic recording containing a false statement, intending that such circumstance, false entry or false statement may appear in evidence in a judicial proceeding, or in a proceeding taken by law before a public servant as such, or before an arbitrator, and that such circumstance, false entry or false statement, so appearing in evidence, may cause any person who in such proceeding is to form an opinion upon the evidence, to entertain an erroneous opinion touching any point material to the result of such proceeding is said “to fabricate false evidence”.§

Why this exists

The Indian Penal Code, drafted in 1860, aimed to protect the integrity of justice. Fair trials depend on evidence being genuine. This section was designed to punish people who deliberately manufacture false facts, documents, or records to deceive judges, arbitrators, or other officials, ensuring that court and legal decisions rest on truth rather than manipulation. It was later updated to include electronic records as digital evidence became common.

How courts read it

Indian courts have clarified that mere creation of a false document is not enough — there must be clear intent that it be used as evidence in a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding to mislead the decision-maker. Courts have distinguished 'fabricating false evidence' (this section) from 'giving false evidence' (Section 191), noting the former relates to creating false material, while the latter relates to false statements made under oath. Judgments have also emphasized that the false material must be capable of influencing an actual, identifiable point in dispute.

Common misconceptions

Myth: This section only applies to lying while giving testimony in court.
Fact: This section is about creating false documents, records, or situations meant to be used as evidence — not about lying verbally under oath, which is covered separately under Section 191 (giving false evidence).
Myth: You must succeed in deceiving the judge for this offence to apply.
Fact: The offence is complete once the false evidence is fabricated with the intended purpose, whether or not it actually deceives anyone or affects the outcome.