IPC Section 204: Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as sevidence

Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 11: False Evidence and Offences against Public Justice

Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

Whoever secretes or destroys any 1[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 1[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.

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1.Subs. by Act 21 of 2000, s. 91 and the First Sch., for “document” (w.e.f. 17-10-2000).

Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.

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