Code:
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.
Explanation
This section of the Indian Penal Code deals with the act of intentionally destroying, mutilating, hiding, or removing any document or electronic record that could potentially be used as evidence in a legal proceeding. The intent behind this act is to obstruct or prevent the production of such evidence.
Illustration
Imagine a person is involved in a financial fraud case. To prevent their incriminating financial records from being used as evidence, they intentionally delete their online banking transactions and destroy hard copies of their financial statements. This action would fall under Section 204 of the IPC.
Common Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of this section?
Section 204 aims to ensure the integrity of evidence in legal proceedings by penalizing individuals who attempt to manipulate or destroy documents that could be crucial for establishing the truth.
Does this apply only to physical documents?
No, the law recognizes the importance of electronic records as evidence. Therefore, destroying, altering, or hiding electronic records also falls under the purview of Section 204.
What are the potential punishments for violating this section?
The punishment for violating Section 204 can be imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
