THE SATYUG ACT (PREVENTION OF OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE) 2024
__________________
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
___________________

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTIONS
1. Short title, extent and commencement
2. Definitions

CHAPTER II

OFFENSES
3. Expanding the Definition of Perjury
4. Perquisites for the offence of Perjury
5. Giving false Evidence
6. Fabrication of false Evidence
7. Using False Evidence
8. Issuing or signing false certificates
9. Using false certificate
10. A false statement within a declaration admissible as evidence by law
11. Using as true such false declaration
12. Providing false details regarding a committed offense
13. Destroying a document to prevent its presentation as evidence
14. Causing disappearance of evidence of offence or giving false information to screen
offender
15. False Personation in Legal Proceedings
16. Making False Claims in Court
17. Fraudulent Obtaining of Decree or Order
18. Tampering with Witnesses
19. Aiders, Abettors, Suborners
20. Attempt to Pervert the Course of Justice
21. Serious Perjury
22. Perjury is non-judicial setting
23. Direct Cognizance of Perjury
24. Private Prosecution of Perjury
25. Procedure for Perjury motions
26. Right to remain silent

CHAPTER III

FAST-TRACK PROSECUTION AND LITIGATION MANAGEMENT
27. Purpose
28. Fast-Track Courts
29. Composition of Fast-Track Courts
30. Jurisdiction of Fast-Track Courts
31. Procedure in Fast-Track Courts
32. Protection of Witnesses and Participants
33. Savings Clause

CHAPTER IV

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND LITIGATION ETHICS
34. Duty of Due Care
35. Safe Harbour Provision
36. Sanctions
37. Contingent Fee Contracts
38. Fee Shifting
CHAPTER V
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
39. Amnesty Scheme
CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS
40. Prosecution and Statute of Limitations
41. Record Keeping and Reporting
42. Implementation and Oversight
43. Power to Make Rules
44. Repeal and Savings
45. Amendments to the Act/Schedule

THE SCHEDULE
PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER THIS ACT

1. Punishment for False Evidence or Perjury
2. Punishment for Aiders, Abettors, Suborners
3. Punishment for Witness Tampering
4. Deterrence as Objective of Punishment while deciding the Sentence
5. Additional Pecuniary Penalties
6. Forfeiture of Right to submit Evidence
7. Non-bailable Offence
8. Non-compoundable Offence
9. Reversal or Modification of a Judgement
10. Civil Suits for Damages
11. Restitution
12. Punitive Damages

THE SATYUG ACT (PREVENTION OF OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE) 2024
PREAMBLE
To uphold the sanctity of the judicial process and enhance the integrity of the legal system, the Satyug
Act (Prevention of Obstruction of Justice) 2024 is hereby enacted. Recognizing the paramount
importance of truthfulness and transparency in judicial proceedings, this Act seeks to deter and punish
acts of perjury and obstruction of justice, thereby reinforcing the foundation of the administration of
justice in India governed by the primary pledge of “Satyamev Jayate”
The Act also addresses related offences such as making false statements without oath, with similar
intent to deceive, and includes provisions for punishing attempts to procure or suborn perjury. This
broadens the scope of legal action beyond the act of lying under oath itself.
By codifying perjury and related offences within a single statutory framework, the Act modernizes and
simplifies the legal approach to these crimes. This is intended to make it easier for prosecutors to bring
charges and for the legal system to handle these cases more efficiently.
It is essential to maintain the integrity of legal proceedings and to deter the practice of filing frivolous
lawsuits and legal documents, this Act seeks to instil a culture of responsibility and honesty in the
submission of pleadings, motions, and other papers to the courts.
The Satyug Act 2024 represents a comprehensive effort by the Indian legislature to deter perjury by
making it more straightforward to prosecute such offences and imposing significant penalties for those
found guilty. This Act underscores the importance of truthfulness in legal proceedings and the
commitment of the Indian legal system to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Short title, extent and commencement — (1) This Act may be called the Satyug Act (Prevention
of Obstruction of Justice) 2024.
(2) It shall extend to the whole of India1
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions— (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, —
(a) “Civil Trial” is a legal process conducted in a court of law to examine and adjudicate upon
disputes or conflicts between individuals, entities, or organizations regarding their rights,
duties, or liabilities under civil law.
1 The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-10-2019).
(b) “Conclusive Proof” is when one fact is declared by this Act to be conclusive proof of another,
the Court shall, on proof of the one fact, regard the other as proved, and shall not allow evidence
to be given for the purpose of disproving it.
(c) “Court of Justice”—The words “Court of Justice” denote a Judge who is empowered by law to
act judicially alone, or a body of Judges which is empowered by law to act judicially as a body,
when such Judge or body of Judges is acting judicially.
(d) “Criminal Trial” is a legal proceeding conducted in a court of law to determine the guilt or
innocence of an individual accused of committing a crime, based on the examination of
evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
(e) “Document” means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means, intended
to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter.
(f) “Fact” means and includes––(1) anything, state of things, or relation of things, capable of being
perceived by the senses;
(2) any mental condition of which any person is conscious.
(g) “False document” is a document that a trained examiner determines to be altered, counterfeit,
or otherwise fraudulent; or a document presented by a person not legally possessing the
document; or both.
(h) “False evidence” is a statement or documentary evidence presented to the court when known
to be false or is believed not to be true is false evidence.
(i) “Forged document” is a document made wholly or in part by forgery.
(j) “Fraudulent” is the active concealment of a fact by one having knowledge or belief of the fact.
(k) “Good faith”—Nothing is said to be done or believed in “good faith” which is done or believed
without due care and attention.
(l) “Illegal”. “Legally bound to do”—The word “illegal” is applicable to everything which is an
offence, or which is prohibited by law, or which furnishes ground for a civil action; and a person
is said to be “legally bound to do” whatever it is illegal in him to omit.
(m) "Obstruction of justice" encompasses acts that impede, obstruct, or interfere with the orderly
administration of justice or the due process of law.
(n) “Offence” means any act or omission made punishable by any law for the time being in force.
(o) "Perjury" refers to the act of making false statements material to the matter under inquiry, in
any judicial proceeding, with the knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard to its truth
or falsity. It includes any statement made on oath that is likely to mislead the court.
(p) “judicial proceeding” includes a proceeding before any court, tribunal, or person having by law
power to hear, receive, and examine evidence on oath.
(q) “Trial” refers to the examination in a court of law of the facts of a case to decide whether
a person is guilty of a crime or responsible for an injury to another person.
(r) "Pleadings," "motions," and "other papers" refer to any written document submitted to the court
that requires the court's action or attention.
(s) "Sanctions" refer to any punitive or corrective measures ordered by the court to address
violations of this Act.
(t) "Safe harbour" is the period during which a party can withdraw or correct a filing without facing
sanctions after a challenge has been raised against the filing's integrity.
(u) “Perjury” is any of the acts covered under sections 5 to 19.

CHAPTER II
OFFENSES AND PENALTIES

3. Expanding the Definition of Perjury— (1) The act of making statements "likely to mislead" in
order to pervert the course of justice is included within the scope of perjury, broadening the ambit to
encompass indirect falsehoods.
(2) Where a statement made for the purposes of a judicial proceeding is not made before the
tribunal itself, but is made on oath before a person authorised by law to administer an oath to
the person who makes the statement, and to record or authenticate the statement, it shall, for
the purposes of this section, be treated as having been made in a judicial proceeding.
4. Perquisites for the Offence of Perjury— a person may be liable for the offense of perjury if-
(1) Materials produced before the court must make out a prima facie case for a complaint for
the purpose of inquiry into an offence referred to in clause (b)(i) of sub-Section (1) of Section
195 of the C.R.P.C2.
It is expedient in the interests of justice that an inquiry shall be made into the alleged offence.
5. Giving false Evidence— Any person legally obligated by oath or law to tell the truth, who provides
knowingly false information or falsely asserts belief or knowledge, is deemed to have given false
evidence.
6. Fabrication of false evidence— Any person who knowingly creates a circumstance, enters false
information in a book, record, or electronic record, or produces a document or electronic record
containing false statements, with the intent that such false circumstance, entry, or statement may be
presented as evidence in a judicial proceeding, before a public servant, or before an arbitrator, and
thereby influence the opinion of any person involved in the proceeding regarding a material point, shall
be deemed to have fabricated false evidence.
7. Using False Evidence— Any person who knowingly uses any evidence known to be false with an
intent will be liable in the same manner as if he gave or fabricated false evidence.
8. Issuing or Signing False Certificates— Any person who knowingly issues or signs any certificate
required by law which is admissible knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material
point, as evidence will be liable in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
9. Using False Certificate— Any person who knowingly uses or attempts to use any such certificate
as a true certificate, knowing the same to be false in any material point, will be liable in the same manner
as if he gave false evidence.
10. A False Statement Within a Declaration Admissible as Evidence By Law— Any person who
knowingly makes any declaration which is bound to be used as evidence of any fact, makes any
statement which is false, and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be
2The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
true, touching any point material to the object for which the declaration is made or used, will be liable
in the same manner as if he gave false evidence.
11. Using as True such False Declaration— Any person who knowingly uses or attempts to use any
such declaration knowing the same to be false will be liable in the same manner as if he gave false
evidence.
12. Providing False details Regarding a Committed Offense— Any person who knowingly gives
any information with respect to an offence committed, which he knows or believes to be false, will be
liable for punishment.
13. Destroying a Document to Prevent its Presentation as Evidence— Any person or knowingly and
intentionally hides, destroys, or alters a document or electronic record that they are legally obliged to
present as evidence in a court or before a public servant, in order to prevent its use, will be liable for
punishment.
14. Causing Disappearance of Evidence of offence, or giving False Information to Screen
Offender— (1)Any person having knowledge or reasonable belief of the commission of an offence,
intentionally causes the disappearance of any evidence related to the commission of said offence, with
the intention of shielding the offender from legal punishment, or provides false information regarding
the offence, knowing it to be false, shall be liable to punishment.
15. False Personation in Legal Proceedings— (1) Any person who falsely assumes the identity of
another person and, in such assumed identity, makes any admission, statement, confesses judgment,
initiates legal processes, acts as bail or security, or engages in any other action in any lawsuit or criminal
prosecution, shall be subject to punishment.
16. Making False Claims in Court— (1) Any person who, with fraudulent, dishonest, or intent to
injure or annoy any person, knowingly makes a false claim in a Court of Justice, shall be deemed to
have committed an offense.
17. Fraudulent Obtaining of Decree or Order— (1) Any person who fraudulently obtains a decree
or order against another person for a sum not owed, or for a larger sum than is owed, or for any property
or interest in property to which they are not entitled, or fraudulently causes a decree or order to be
enforced against another person after it has been satisfied, or for any matter in respect of which it has
been satisfied, or fraudulently allows such actions to be carried out in their name, shall be guilty of an
offense.
18. Tampering with Witnesses— Any person who engages in tampering with witnesses, including
intimidation, coercion, bribery, or any other act aimed at influencing the testimony or cooperation of a
witness in legal proceedings or any kind of retaliation, shall be guilty of an offense under this schedule.
19. Aiders, abettors, suborners— (1) Every person who aids, abets, counsels, procures, or suborns
another person to commit an offence against this Act shall be liable to be proceeded against, FIR
registered, tried and punished as if he were a principal offender.
(2) Every person who incites another person to commit an offence against this Act shall be
guilty, and shall be liable to imprisonment, or to a fine, or to both such imprisonment and fine.
20. Attempt to Pervert the Course of Justice – Any conduct knowingly performed that had the
tendency to pervert the course of justice, i.e., turn it aside from its proper course with the intention to
pervert the course of justice. It is not necessary that the course of justice was perverted or would have
been perverted. It is sufficient to prove that there was a real risk that injustice might result.
21. Serious Perjury – (1) Any act of perjury (including perjury by omission) done knowingly that has
the capacity to influence the outcome or any course of the proceedings shall be considered as serious
perjury. (2) The defence of negligence or absence of knowledge also shall not be considered, if not the
perjurious statement is not recanted within 21 days, once a motion of perjury is served.
(3) Any form of direct or indirect influence or any retaliation on witness or whistle-blowers, before,
during or any time after the proceeding, shall be considered as serious perjury.
22. Perjury in non-judicial setting – Any type of submission, under an oath or otherwise “Signed as
true under penalty of perjury”, made to any of the three government bodies i.e. the legislature, executive
or judiciary by an individual or even a public officer that are materially falsified or tampered, knowingly
and intentionally, to hamper the outcome of government activity would be also deemed as perjury.
23. Direct Cognizance of Perjury— Courts are hereby empowered to take direct cognizance of perjury
on receiving a complaint or otherwise, removing any complexity for a complaint of procedure as
mentioned u/s 195 and 340 of CRPC.
24. Private Prosecution of perjury— Any person may initiate private prosecution for any offense
under this Act via a complaint. Private individuals are permitted to prosecute perjury and obstruction
of justice offenses, ensuring broader enforcement and community participation in upholding the
integrity and unclogging of the justice system.
25. Procedure for Perjury motions – On receiving the motion to prosecute for perjury, the judicial
officers shall dispose the perjury application first before proceeding with the entire case. Once the
prima-facie case for perjury is made out after hearing the defence of the accused, the case may be sent
for any further investigation after taking cognizance of perjury or directly be referred to a magistrate in
the order for further prosecution. The entire case shall then subsequently be expeditiously disposed off.
26. Right to remain silent – Before taking the statements from any accused in criminal trials the
maximum penalty of perjury must be read out and their right to remain silent shall be communicated
before making/taking such statements whether oral or written as part of the evidence

CHAPTER III
FAST-TRACK PROSECUTION AND LITIGATION MANAGEMENT

27. Purpose— Fast track courts are special courts established with the primary objective of expediting
the trial process, particularly for cases pending for an extended period or those involving vulnerable
sections of society.
28. Fast-Track Courts— Special fast-track courts shall be established for the expeditious trial of
perjury cases, akin to those for cheque bounce cases under Section 1383 of the Negotiable Instruments
Act.
29. Composition of Fast Track Courts— (1) Each Fast Track Court shall consist of a Judicial
Magistrate of the First Class or such other judicial officer as may be designated by the State
Government, who shall preside over the proceedings.
(2) The State Government may appoint such additional judicial officers, court staff, and
support personnel as may be necessary for the efficient functioning of the Fast Track Courts.
30. Jurisdiction of Fast Track Courts— (1) The Fast Track Courts established under this Act shall
have exclusive jurisdiction over cases related to the offense of perjury as defined under this act.
(2) The jurisdiction of the Fast Track Courts shall extend to the entire territorial jurisdiction of
the respective State where they are established.
31. Procedure in Fast Track Courts— (1) The proceedings in the Fast Track Courts shall be
conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure4, 1973 applicable to
summary trials, with necessary modifications as deemed fit by the Court.
(2) The Fast Track Courts shall endeavour to expedite the trial process while ensuring
adherence to principles of natural justice and fair trial.
32. Protection of Witnesses and Participants— The Fast Track Courts shall take necessary measures
to ensure the protection of witnesses, victims, and other participants involved in the proceedings.
33. Savings Clause— Nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting the power of the Fast Track
Court to take appropriate action against individuals who fail to comply with the provisions of this Act
or who engage in misconduct during judicial proceedings.
3 Dishonour of cheque for insufficiency, etc., of funds in the account.
4 Chapter XXI and Sections 260 to 265 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973

CHAPTER IV
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND LITIGATION ETHICS

34. Duty of Due Care - Every pleading, written motion, and other paper must be signed by at least one
attorney of record or by the party if the party is unrepresented. The signature certifies that to the best of
the signer’s knowledge, information, and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry that it is not being
presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase
the cost of litigation.
35. Safe Harbour Provision – An advocate may avoid sanctions by withdrawing or correcting the
challenged document within 21 days after a motion for sanctions is served.
36. Sanctions - (a) On the court’s initiative, or on motion, if the court determines that section 35 has
been violated, the court may impose an appropriate sanction on the advocate, law firm, or party that
violated the rule or is responsible for the violation. Sanctions may include directives of a non-monetary
nature, an order to pay a penalty into court, or, if imposed on motion and warranted for effective
deterrence, an order directing payment to the movant of part or all of the reasonable advocates' fees and
other expenses directly resulting from the violation.
(b) Sanctions and orders shall be consistent with the principles underlying the certification
requirements, aiming to deter repetition of the conduct or comparable conduct by others similarly
situated.
(c) Sanctions shall be registered on the advocates professional record as an infraction for considering a
cumulative improvement in professional conduct and public review.
37. Contingent Fee Contracts—Contingent fee contracts (including contracts having partial
contingent fee) in legal profession are permitted in civil litigation only after disclosure to court, aligning
with practices in developed international jurisdictions, to make legal services more accessible. The
advocates shall waive the safe harbour against perjury and abuse of law in order to step in as litigant.
38. Fee Shifting —The principle of fee shifting is introduced, wherein the losing party is liable for
the legal fees and other expenses of the winning party, encouraging fair litigation and deterring
frivolous lawsuits due to costs and damages.

CHAPTER V
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

39. Amnesty Scheme—A one-time amnesty scheme is introduced, allowing individuals to withdraw
or amend pleadings and statements under this safe harbour provision within 60 days, aiming for a clean
slate in judicial proceedings from the date of this Act coming into force.

CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS

40. Prosecution and Statute of Limitations—Prosecution for perjury may commence within 2 years
from the commission of the offense, and no prosecution shall be commenced after the expiration of 2
years from the date of either the offense, or the case being decided, or the perjury offence being
uncovered.
41. Record Keeping and Reporting—Courts shall maintain accurate records of perjury cases,
including charges, convictions, and sentences imposed. Annual reports on perjury prosecutions and
convictions shall be submitted to the appropriate legislative bodies as formed under this Act for review
and appropriate amendment in law if needed.
42. Implementation and Oversight —The Central Government shall appoint an oversight committee
to monitor the implementation of this Act and suggest amendments as necessary.
43. Power to Make Rules—The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make
rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
44. Repeal and Savings—Any provisions inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall stand
repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. Any action taken or proceedings initiated under the
provisions of any law repealed by this Act shall be deemed to have been taken or initiated under the
corresponding provisions of this Act
45. Amendments to the Act/Schedule— (1) In the event that any challenges emerge in implementing
the stipulations of this Act, the Central Government retains the authority to issue orders, published in
the Official Gazette, to enact provisions that are not inconsistent with the Act, and which it deems
necessary or expedient to address the challenge: Provided that such orders cannot be issued under this
section after two years from the commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order promulgated under this section shall promptly be presented before each
House of Parliament following its issuance.
This Act represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the integrity of the judicial process by
making perjury a significantly more serious offense, providing mechanisms for swift prosecution, and
aligning litigation practices with principles of deterrence and accountability.

THE SCHEDULE
PENALTY FOR OFFENCES UNDER THIS ACT

1. Punishment for False Evidence or perjury— Any person who gives false evidence in any 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
three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and whoever intentionally gives or fabricates false evidence
in any other case, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to two years, and shall also be liable to a fine.
2. Punishment for Aiders, Abettors, Suborners—Any person who aids, abets, or suborns the
commission of any offense under this Schedule shall be punished with the punishment provided for the
offense.
3. Punishment for Witness Tampering—Any person who indulges in witness tampering or any form
of retaliation, shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, and shall also be
liable to a fine determined by the court.
4. Deterrence as objective of punishment while deciding the sentence— (1) The objective of justice
is realigned towards deterrence, incorporating tort and pecuniary penalties as seen in the US legal
system for cases involving serious perjury. In all other cases instead of leniency, deterrence shall be
actively perused to protect the integrity of the Justice delivery system.
5. Additional pecuniary penalties – Since perjury is such a destructive offence that has a
disproportional burden on the entire justice delivery system, in public interest and to regulate the
deterrence of Perjury, the sentences given shall be further reviewed within 60 days by a separate faceless
regulatory committee of 2 high court judges. The additional pecuniary penalties shall be pronounced
having regard to the gravity and conduct of the perjury such as
(1) If the perjury was serious,
(2) Material to the case,
(3) Persistent denials, sophistication used to evade or hard to catch (multiple perjuries or number of
perjurious statements made),
(5) Tthe likely number of people involved,
(6) Time consumed to prosecute perjury or the number of adjournments taken, frivolous applications
made during the defence,
(7) Seriousness of the underlying crime,
(8) Previous history of the accused.
When two or more elements are present then the additional pecuniary penalty shall be not be less than
2 years, and no more than 10 years.
6. Forfeiture of Right to Submit Evidence – When a litigant is found to be guilty of perjury, he is
restricted to defend or pursue the cases in the primary judicial proceedings.
7. Non-Bailable Offence - Perjury is declared a non-bailable offense, aligning its seriousness with
offenses made that are direct attack on integrity of the nation or parliament of judiciary.
8. Non-Compoundable Offence – Perjury is a very serious offense that clogs the entire justice delivery
system and undermines its integrity, therefore it is in public interest that such offences even when
compounded at very early stages (within 60 days) shall still carry a minimum sentence of 6 months of
imprisonment.
9. Reversal or Modification of a Judgment: If perjury had influenced the outcome of a case, the
wronged party can seek to have the judgment reversed or modified.
10. Civil Suits for Damages: The party harmed by the perjury is permitted to file a separate civil lawsuit
against the perjurer for any damages suffered as a result of the offence of perjury. For example, if
perjury led to a wrongful conviction or an unjust civil judgment, the victim might sue for losses
incurred, such as legal costs, lost income, or other financial losses.
11. Restitution: Courts shall order restitution as part of the sentence ,which shall require the perjurer
to pay back the victim for financial losses caused directly by perjury.
12. Punitive Damages: In the cases where perjury was particularly egregious and caused significant
harm, a court in a civil lawsuit might award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the
wrongdoer and deter future misconduct, over and above any compensation for actual losses.
These provisions articulate the offenses related to perjury, fabrication of false evidence and other
offences causing obstructions in justice, alongside the corresponding punishments, ensuring the
integrity of legal proceedings and deterring fraudulent activities within the judicial system. In case of
any amendment Central Government retains the authority to issue orders, published in the Official
Gazette to make such changes.