Library/BNS/Section 239
Section 239BailablePenal

Intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform

Full Text

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.

Plain English Summary

Penalizes the intentional failure to report an offense by someone who has a legal obligation to do so. It is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment, a fine up to five thousand rupees, or both.

Key Legal Elements

  • Knowledge or reason to believe that an offence has been committed
  • Legal obligation to report or give information respecting that offence
  • Intentional omission to give such information

Punishment

Up to 6 months imprisonment, fine up to ₹5,000, or both.

Practical Note

To establish an offense under this section, the prosecution must prove that the accused was legally bound to inform, had knowledge of the crime, and intentionally omitted to report it.

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई यह जानते हुए या विश्वास करने का कारण रखते हुए कि कोई अपराध किया गया है, उस अपराध के संबंध में कोई ऐसी जानकारी, जिसे देने के लिए वह कानूनन बाध्य हो, देने का जानबूझकर लोप करेगा, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि छह मास तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, जो पांच हजार रुपए तक का हो सकेगा, या दोनों से, दंडित किया जाएगा।