Section 241 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) applies when a person hides, destroys, or alters any document or electronic record that they are legally required to produce as evidence before a court or public servant.
This law ensures that individuals cannot manipulate or erase crucial evidence to obstruct justice.
Punishment:
Whoever commits this offense shall be punished with imprisonment of up to three years, or with a fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
How It Protects:
This section safeguards the integrity of legal proceedings by ensuring that evidence, whether physical or digital, is not tampered with or hidden.
It prevents miscarriage of justice by holding individuals accountable for attempts to destroy relevant records.
Example:
If a person deletes emails or destroys financial records that are required in court, they are guilty under this section.
Similarly, if someone intentionally erases CCTV footage needed in an investigation, they can be prosecuted.
