False affidavit? Up to 7 years.

Myth or fact?

What people often assume.

• Myth: It is only an affidavit. Nobody checks it.
• Fact: A false statement in an affidavit used in court is punished like false evidence: up to seven years (PPC ss.199, 193).

The rule in the law.

Section 193, Pakistan Penal Code.

“Whoever intentionally gives false evidence in any stage of a judicial proceeding, or fabricates false evidence for the purpose of being used in any stage of a judicial proceeding, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term, which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 193, Punishment for false evidence

Which section?

Four sections, four situations.

• In a court caseFalse evidence: up to 7 years and fine (s.193).
• Any other caseUp to 3 years and fine (s.193).
• A sworn declarationPunished as if false evidence (s.199).
• On oath to an officerUp to 3 years and fine (s.181).

Quick quiz. Who complains?

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. Yes, at any police station
• B. No, the court itself must complain
• C. Only after ten years

Answer: B. The court acts.

Sections 195 and 476, CrPC.

• s.195(1)(b)No court takes cognizance of ss.193 or 199 in a court proceeding except on that court's written complaint.
• s.476The court may take cognizance and try it summarily.
• 2026 MLD 563Every court, including a Family Court, may act on perjury before it (Peshawar High Court).

Not for revenge.

Sindh High Court, PLD 2024 Sindh 305.

• Interest of justiceProsecution for perjury only when it is expedient in the interest of justice.
• Not automaticNot launched as a matter of course for every false line.
• No grudgesNot a handle to satisfy a private grudge against the other side.

Myth or fact?

The witness worry.

• Myth: Witnesses lie all the time. Nothing happens to them.
• Fact: Deposing falsely in court entails serious penal consequences, and courts can direct proceedings against such witnesses (2020 PCrLJ 442, Balochistan High Court).

Before you sign.

Three checks, every time.

• Read every lineEven if your advocate drafted it.
• Only what you knowClaiming a belief you do not hold is also false evidence (s.191).
• Keep the proofAttach the papers that back each fact.

Facing a false affidavit?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• The respondent lied in his affidavit in my family case. What can I do?
• Draft an application under section 476 CrPC for a false affidavit.

Example questions

What this does not mean

• Under CrPC s.195(1)(b) no court takes cognizance of a false affidavit in a court proceeding except on the written complaint of that court.
• Prosecution for perjury is not automatic for every false line, and is not a tool for a private grudge (PLD 2024 Sindh 305).
• The seven year limit under PPC s.193 is for false evidence in a court case. In any other case the limit is three years.

Questions people ask

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 193
  Punishment for false evidence Pakistan Code