Section 238 of BNS : Section 238: Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi witnesses his friend, Suresh, committing a robbery at a local jewelry store. Knowing that robbery is a serious crime punishable with imprisonment for up to ten years, Ravi decides to help Suresh by hiding the stolen jewelry in his own house to prevent the police from finding it. When the police question Ravi, he lies and says he has no knowledge of the robbery. Under Section 238 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years and may also be fined for causing the disappearance of evidence and giving false information to screen Suresh from legal punishment.

Example 2:

Priya finds out that her brother, Raj, has committed a hit-and-run accident resulting in the death of a pedestrian. Knowing that such an offence is punishable with imprisonment for life, Priya helps Raj by cleaning the bloodstains from the car and disposing of the damaged parts to make it look like the car was never involved in the accident. When questioned by the police, Priya provides false information, claiming that Raj was at home during the time of the accident. Under Section 238 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Priya can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years and may also be fined for her actions to screen Raj from legal punishment.

Example 3:

Sunita is aware that her colleague, Anil, has committed a minor theft at their workplace, which is punishable with imprisonment for up to two years. To protect Anil, Sunita destroys the CCTV footage that captured the theft. When the management inquires about the missing footage, Sunita lies and says that the CCTV system was malfunctioning. Under Section 238 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Sunita can be punished with imprisonment for up to six months (one-fourth of the maximum term for the theft) and may also be fined for causing the disappearance of evidence and providing false information to screen Anil from legal punishment.