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IPC Section 204 - Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
Last Updated: 01 Nov, 2026
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty
(The upper limit is imprisonment from two years to three years, and the fine is defined as up to five thousand rupees.)
Please refer to BNS 241 for updated procedures & punishments.
Whoever secrets or destroys any document 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 document 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.
IPC 204 in Simple Words
In simple words, Section 204 of the Indian Penal Code states that if someone hides, destroys, or alters a document that they are legally required to present as evidence in court or before a public servant to prevent its use, they can be punished with imprisonment up to two years, or fined, or both.
Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence
| Offence | Punishment | Cognizance | Bail | Triable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secreting or destroying any document to prevent its production as evidence | 2 Years or Fine or Both | Non-Cognizable | Bailable | Magistrate First Class |
Offence : Secreting or destroying any document to prevent its production as evidence
Punishment : 2 Years or Fine or Both
Cognizance : Non-Cognizable
Bail : Bailable
Triable : Magistrate First Class
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 203 of the IPC?
Anyone who, having reason to suspect that an offense has been committed, provides any information about that offence that he knows or believes is false will be punished by imprisonment for a period that may be up to two years or by a fine.
What is the punishment for destruction of evidence?
Section 204 of Indian Penal Code says that if a person hides, destroys or alters a legal document they must present in court, before a public official, to prevent its misuse, they may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to two years or fined. 1 Dec 2023
What is Section 408 of IPC?
According to Section 408 of Indian Penal Code, the punishment for criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant is imprisonment up to seven-years and a possible fine.
