Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 239
Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform
In one line
BNS Section 239 deals with intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform and replaces IPC 202.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 239 | Intentional omission to give information of an offence by a person legally bound to inform. | Imprisonment for 6 months, or fine of 5,000 rupees, or both. | Non-cognizable. | Bailable. | Any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 239
239. Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform.
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.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 202 → BNS 239: Fine defined in this section is five thousand rupees, whereas in IPC fine is not defined.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 239 in the IPC?
BNS Section 239 (Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform) replaces Section 202 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 202 is now BNS 239.
What is the punishment under BNS 239?
Intentional omission to give information of an offence by a person legally bound to inform – punishable 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. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 239 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 239. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 234 — Issuing or signing false certificate
- BNS 235 — Using as true a certificate known to be false
- BNS 236 — False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence
- BNS 237 — Using as true such declaration knowing it to be false
- BNS 238 — Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender
- BNS 240 — Giving false information respecting an offence committed
- BNS 241 — Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence
- BNS 242 — False personation for purpose of act or proceeding in suit or prosecution
- BNS 243 — Fraudulent removal or concealment of property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
- BNS 244 — Fraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution