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BNS, 2023
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BNSChapter XIVSection 239
Section239

Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform

AI Assist

Summary

When a person knows or has reason to believe an offence was committed and intentionally withholds information they are legally bound to give, they can be punished with up to six months imprisonment, or a fine up to Rs.5,000, or both. The rule only applies where there is a legal duty to report the offence.

Example

Meera, the caretaker of an apartment block, sees someone steal from a flat and knows she is legally required to inform the police but intentionally stays silent. Under this section she may face up to six months imprisonment, or a fine up to Rs.5,000, or both.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that an offence has been committed, intentionally omits to give any information respecting that offence which he is legally bound to give, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

BNSS Classification

  • Imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both.
  • Non-cognizable
  • Bailable
  • Triable by Any Magistrate.
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XIV

Chapter XIV

Of False Evidence And Offences Against Public Justice

In this chapter

  • 227Giving false evidence
  • 228Fabricating false evidence
  • 229Punishment for false evidence
  • 230Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of capital offence
  • 231Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of offence punishable with imprisonment for life or imprisonment
  • 232Threatening any person to give false evidence
  • 233Using evidence known to be false
  • 234Issuing or signing false certificate
  • 235Using as true a certificate known to be false
  • 236False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence
  • 237Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false
  • 238Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender
  • 239Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform
  • 240Giving false information respecting an offence committed
  • 241Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence
  • 242False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution
  • 243Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
  • 244Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
  • 245Fraudulently suffering decree for sum not due
  • 246Dishonestly making false claim in Court
  • 247Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due
  • 248False charge of offence made with intent to injure
  • 249Harbouring offender
  • 250Taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment
  • 251Offering gift or restoration of property in consideration of screening offender
  • 252Taking gift to help to recover stolen property, etc
  • 253Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered
  • 254Penalty for harbouring robbers or dacoits
  • 255Public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture
  • 256Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture
  • 257Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc., contrary to law
  • 258Commitment for trial or confinement by person having authority who knows that he is acting contrary to law
  • 259Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend
  • 260Intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend person under sentence or lawfully committed
  • 261Escape from confinement or custody negligently suffered by public servant
  • 262Resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehension
  • 263Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person
  • 264Omission to apprehend, or sufferance of escape, on part of public servant, in cases not otherwise, provided for
  • 265Resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension or escape or rescue in cases not otherwise provided for
  • 266Violation of condition of remission of punishment
  • 267Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding
  • 268Personation of an assessor
  • 269Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in court
Previous · Section 238Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offenderNext · Section 240Giving false information respecting an offence committed