What is Section 201 IPC? Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 201 IPC: Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender
Official Legal Text
Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, causes any evidence of the commission of that offence to disappear, with the intention of screening the offender from legal punishment, or with that intention gives any information respecting the offence which he knows or believes to be false,
shall, if the offence which he knows or believes to have been committed is punishable with death, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;
if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment which may extend to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for any term not extending to ten years, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of the imprisonment provided for the offence, or with fine, or with both.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 201 punishes anyone who causes the disappearance of evidence of an offence, or provides false information to protect an offender.
Purpose
To ensure that individuals do not tamper with evidence or protect offenders from justice.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine if the offence is punishable with death; Imprisonment up to 3 years and fine if the offence is punishable with life imprisonment; In other cases, imprisonment up to one-fourth of the maximum punishment for the offence.
Key Elements
1. Causing the disappearance of evidence of an offence. 2. Providing false information to protect an offender. 3. Knowledge of the offence committed is essential.
Punishment Details
1. If the offence is punishable with death - Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. 2. If the offence is punishable with life imprisonment - Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and fine. 3. In any other case - Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one-fourth of the maximum term of the punishment for the offence, or with fine, or with both.
Legal Defenses
If the person can prove they were unaware of the offence or acted under legal compulsion.
Judicial Interpretation
Courts focus on the knowledge of the offence and the intention to cause disappearance of evidence.
Illustration
If a person, knowing that a murder has been committed, burns the victim’s body to destroy evidence, they can be punished under Section 201.
FAQs
What does Section 201 IPC define?
Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender.
Where is Section 201 IPC commonly applicable?
It applies in cases involving causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender during court proceedings or investigations.
Why is Section 201 IPC important?
It ensures judicial integrity and punishes fraudulent and misleading actions related to justice.
Can you provide an example involving Section 201 IPC?
Examples include destroying evidence or fraudulently making a false claim in court.
What punishment is prescribed under Section 201 IPC?
Punishments vary but usually include imprisonment, fines, or both.
Is Section 201 IPC related to other sections?
Yes, it is connected with sections dealing with evidence, obstruction, fraud, and court offences.
How do courts interpret Section 201 IPC?
Courts interpret strictly to prevent obstruction of justice and fraudulent behavior in legal processes.