IPC §204 → BNS §241
Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
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Comparison
204. Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence.—Whoever secretes or destroys any 3[document and electronic record] which he may be lawfully compelled to produce as evidence in a Court of Justice, or in any proceeding lawfully held before a public servant, as such, or obliterates or renders illegible the whole or any part of such 3[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 two years, or with fine, or with both.
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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 204 (destruction or obliteration of document to prevent its production as evidence; imprisonment up to 3 years) is preserved as BNS 241 with two changes: (1) 'or electronic record' is added alongside 'document' at every relevant occurrence — same digital-age set-extension pattern as BNS 201, 210, 228; (2) explicit fine cap of ₹5,000.
Old position
IPC 204 is concerned with Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence. Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
New position
BNS 241 modifies the framework. Topic: Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence. 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
IPC 204 (destruction or obliteration of document to prevent its production as evidence; imprisonment up to 3 years) is preserved as BNS 241 with two changes: (1) 'or electronic record' is added alongside 'document' at every relevant occurrence — same digital-age set-extension pattern as BNS 201,...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-241 reproduces IPC-204's framework on destruction of document to prevent evidence character-identically. Historical-amendment brackets are incorporated as plain text. Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 204 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 241 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 241 (Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §204 → BNS §241 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/204.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.