IPC · Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 204 IPC

Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence

Offence

Whoever secrets or destroys any document or 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 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,

Punishment

shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Punishment summary

  • Imprisonment: two years.

FAQ — Section 204 IPC

Section 204 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) deals with “Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence”. This page explains the offence (if any), punishment, and links to Vaksera petition formats.

shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

No. Vaksera provides a drafting reference and petition formats only. Always verify the current bare act and local court practice.

Statute summaries on Vaksera are for advocate drafting reference only, not legal advice. Verify the current bare act and court rules before filing.