IPC Section 201 = BNS Section 238

Causing Disappearance of Evidence of Offence

अपराध के साक्ष्य को गायब करना

False Evidence & Offences by Public Servants No Change in Punishment Non-Cognizable Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 201 of the IPC dealt with causing disappearance of evidence of an offence or giving false information to screen an offender. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 238.
Hindi IPC की धारा 201 अपराध के साक्ष्य को गायब करने से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 238 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 201 Section 238
Title Causing Disappearance of Evidence of Offence Causing Disappearance of Evidence
Punishment If offence punishable with death — up to 7 years; if punishable with life — up to 3 years; otherwise — up to one-fourth of the longest term If offence punishable with death — up to 7 years; if punishable with life — up to 3 years; otherwise — up to one-fourth of the longest term
Cognizable No — Warrant required for arrest
Bailable Yes — Bail is a matter of right
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 201 to BNS 238
  • Punishment structure remains the same
  • No substantive changes

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused knew or had reason to believe an offence had been committed
  2. 2 They caused evidence of that offence to disappear
  3. 3 Or they gave false information to screen the offender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 201?

IPC Section 201 (Causing Disappearance of Evidence of Offence) is now BNS Section 238 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 201 to BNS 238?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 238: If offence punishable with death — up to 7 years; if punishable with life — up to 3 years; otherwise — up to one-fourth of the longest term.

Is BNS Section 238 cognizable?

No, BNS Section 238 is a non-cognizable, bailable, and non-compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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