Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 204 → BNS 241: Destruction of Document

IPC Section 204 (Destruction of Document) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 241 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

204

Destruction of Document

Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence

New Law — BNS 2023

241

Destruction of Document

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years

Key Change / Note

Includes electronic records explicitly

Facing a case under BNS 241?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 241.

Quick Summary: IPC 204 vs BNS 241

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 204 (Destruction of Document) is now mapped to BNS Section 241.

What did IPC 204 cover?

IPC 204 dealt with destruction of document — destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 241: What changed in the new law?

Includes electronic records explicitly. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to destruction of document are filed under BNS Section 241. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 241

Same - Up to 2 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 241 instead of IPC 204.
Police officers: Use BNS 241 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 204 ↔ BNS 241 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 204?

IPC Section 204 (Destruction of Document) is now covered under Section 241 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 241?

Same - Up to 2 years

What is the key difference between IPC 204 and BNS 241?

Includes electronic records explicitly

Is IPC 204 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.