241. Whoever secretes or destroys any document or electronic record which he may be lawfully compelled to produce as evidence in a Court or in any proceeding lawfully held before a public servant, as such, or obliterates or renders illegible the whole or any part of such document or electronic record with the intention of preventing the same from being produced or used as evidence before such Court or public servant as aforesaid, or after he shall have been lawfully summoned or required to produce the same for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
BNS Section 241: Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence
Section 241 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 deals with destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence. It replaces IPC 204 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 241 is non-cognizable and bailable.
Bail, cognizability and punishment
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 241 | Secreting or destroying any document to prevent its production as evidence. | Imprisonment for 3 years, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both. | Non-cognizable | Bailable | Magistrate of the first class |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
Text of BNS Section 241
IPC sections replaced
- IPC 204: Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
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