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

Category of Bare Act Name of the Act Year of Promulgation
Criminal Laws Indian Penal Code 1860
Act Number Enactment Date Chapter Number
45 06.10.1860 11
Chapter Title Sub-Chapter Legislated by
Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice - Parliament of India

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).

Offence Description Punishment provided Cognizable/Non-Cognizable
Secreting or destroying any document to prevent its production as evidence. Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both. Non-cognisable
Bailable/Non-Bailable Trial Court Details Compoundable/Non-Compoundable
Bailable Magistrate of the first class. Non-Compoundable
Compoundable by Whom Concerned Ministry Concerned Department
Non-Compoundable Ministry of Home Affairs Department of Internal Security