# The Indian Penal Code, 1860, Section 204: Destruction of document to prevent its production as evidence

- Act: The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Act 45 of 1860)
- In force from: 1862-01-01
- Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Source URL: https://indiacode.ecourtsindia.com/ipc/section/204/

## Text

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.

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