# False affidavit? Up to 7 years. > A false statement in an affidavit used in court is punished like false evidence: up to seven years and fine (PPC ss.199, 193). The court itself files the complaint (CrPC s.195). - Topic: Courts and procedure - For: Citizens - A 11-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/false-affidavit-up-to-7-years - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-10 ## 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) ## Which section? Four sections, four situations. - **In a court case** False evidence: up to 7 years and fine (s.193). - **Any other case** Up to 3 years and fine (s.193). - **A sworn declaration** Punished as if false evidence (s.199). - **On oath to an officer** Up 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.476** The court may take cognizance and try it summarily. - **2026 MLD 563** Every 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 justice** Prosecution for perjury only when it is expedient in the interest of justice. - **Not automatic** Not launched as a matter of course for every false line. - **No grudges** Not 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 line** Even if your advocate drafted it. - **Only what you know** Claiming a belief you do not hold is also false evidence (s.191). - **Keep the proof** Attach 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.** ## 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 ### What is the punishment for a false affidavit in Pakistan? A false statement in an affidavit used in court is punished like false evidence: up to seven years and fine (PPC ss.199, 193). ### Can I file a police case for a false affidavit? For ss.193 or 199 in a court proceeding, no court takes cognizance except on the written complaint of that court (CrPC s.195(1)(b)). The court may act and try it summarily under s.476. ### Can a Family Court act on a false affidavit? Yes. The Peshawar High Court said every court, including a Family Court, may act on perjury before it (2026 MLD 563). ### Is a false statement on oath to an officer punishable? Yes. A false statement on oath to an officer carries up to 3 years and fine (PPC s.181). ### Am I responsible if my lawyer drafted the affidavit? Read every line before you sign, even if your advocate drafted it. Claiming a belief you do not hold is also false evidence (s.191). ## Sources - Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 193: Punishment for false evidence --- Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.