IPC 197: Issuing or Signing False Certificate: Whoever issues or signs any certificate required by law to be given or signed, or relating to any fact of which such certificate is by law admissible in evidence, knowing or believing that such certificate is false in any material point, shall be punished in the same manner as if he gave false evidence. (Comments: The penal code is applicable to every medical professional. It has similar implications as giving false evidences. False certificates could mean a simple leave certificate, fitness certificate or sickness certificate.)