Library/BNS/Section 323
Section 323BailablePenal

Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property

Full Text

Whoever dishonestly or fraudulently conceals or removes any property of himself or any other person, or dishonestly or fraudulently assists in the concealment or removal thereof, or dishonestly releases any demand or claim to which he is entitled, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Plain English Summary

Punishes the dishonest or fraudulent concealment or removal of property (belonging to oneself or another) or the dishonest release of any entitled claim or demand.

Key Legal Elements

  • Dishonest or fraudulent concealment or removal of property belonging to oneself or another
  • Dishonest or fraudulent assistance in such concealment or removal
  • Dishonest release of any demand or claim to which the offender is entitled
  • Requires fraudulent or dishonest intent to cause wrongful gain or loss

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both

Practical Note

CRITICAL COMPARISON: This section corresponds to Section 424 of the IPC. The definition, scope, and maximum punishment (up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both) remain identical under BNS Section 323. Note the significant renumbering: IPC Section 323 previously dealt with the punishment for voluntarily causing hurt (which is now under BNS Section 115).

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई बेईमानी से या कपटपूर्वक अपनी या किसी अन्य व्यक्ति की किसी सम्पत्ति को छिपाएगा या हटाएगा या उसे छिपाने या हटाने में स्वेच्छा से सहायता करेगा, अथवा बेईमानी से किसी ऐसी मांग या दावे को छोड़ेगा, जिसका वह हकदार है, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि तीन वर्ष तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, या दोनों से, दण्डित किया जाएगा।