IPC 175 → BNS 210: Omission to Produce

Quick Summary: IPC 175 vs BNS 210

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 175 (Omission to Produce) belongs to the IPC's offences relating to public servants and lawful authority — conduct by or against public servants, election offences and contempt of official authority. The corruption-type provisions sit alongside the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the BNS renumbers the residual offence covering omission to produce as BNS 210.

What did IPC 175 cover?

IPC 175 dealt with omission to produce — omission to produce document or electronic record to public servant by person legally bound to produce it. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 210: What changed in the new law?

Includes electronic records explicitly. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to omission to produce are filed under BNS Section 210, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 210

Same - Up to 1 month

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For omission to produce, check whether the conduct is prosecuted under BNS 210 or a special statute, and whether prior sanction is required.
• Police officers: Identify the precise duty obstructed or benefit obtained in the omission to produce matter and cite BNS 210 in the new FIR.
• Law students & citizens: Giving or taking illegal gratification, impersonating an official, or obstructing public duty — the kind of conduct behind omission to produce — all fall in this group.