Section 253 of BNS : Section 253: Harbouring offender who has escaped from custody or whose apprehension has been ordered.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is a notorious criminal who has been convicted of murder, an offence punishable with death. While being transported to the court, Ravi manages to escape from police custody. Ravi's friend, Suresh, knowing that Ravi has escaped and is wanted by the police, decides to hide him in his house to prevent his capture. Under Section 253 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Suresh can be punished with imprisonment for up to seven years and may also be liable to pay a fine for harbouring Ravi.

Example 2:

Priya is accused of committing a serious fraud, an offence punishable with imprisonment for up to ten years. The police have issued an order for her apprehension. Priya's cousin, Anil, is aware of the police order but still decides to help her by providing a safe place to stay and giving her money to evade arrest. According to Section 253 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Anil can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years and may also be fined for harbouring Priya.

Example 3:

Sunil is charged with a minor theft, an offence punishable with imprisonment for up to two years. He escapes from police custody while being taken to the court. His friend, Raj, knowing about Sunil's escape, allows him to stay at his house to avoid being caught by the police. Under Section 253 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Raj can be punished with imprisonment for up to six months (one-fourth of the maximum term of two years) or with a fine, or both, for harbouring Sunil.

Example 4:

Meena is accused of a crime committed outside India, which, if committed in India, would be punishable with imprisonment for up to five years. She is wanted in India under an extradition treaty. Meena's brother, knowing about the extradition order, helps her by hiding her in his house. According to Section 253 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Meena's brother can be punished with imprisonment for up to one year and three months (one-fourth of the maximum term of five years) or with a fine, or both, for harbouring Meena.

Example 5:

Ajay is accused of a crime and is ordered to be apprehended by the police. His wife, knowing about the order, hides him in their home to prevent his arrest. According to the exception in Section 253 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ajay's wife will not be punished for harbouring him, as the provisions of this section do not extend to the spouse of the person to be apprehended.