IPC 424 vs BNS 424
● Retained in BNSDishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property
Section 424 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, provides punishment for dishonest or fraudulent concealment or removal of property without following due process of law. Unlike IPC 421 and 422, which focus specifically on defeating creditors, this section is broader and applies to cases where property is dishonestly concealed, removed, or delivered to another person with fraudulent intent.
Key points:
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Covers concealment, removal, or delivery of property with dishonest or fraudulent intent.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Ensures protection against fraudulent handling of property beyond creditor-related issues.
For example, if a person hides movable assets like vehicles or jewelry to avoid their lawful seizure during a dispute, such an act would fall under IPC 424. This section strengthens property rights by ensuring that fraudulent removal or concealment is penalized, discouraging misuse of assets to evade responsibility.
Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property
Section 424 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 424 and punishes acts of dishonestly removing, concealing, or delivering property with fraudulent intent. It ensures that property rights are protected from deceptive practices, even when creditors are not directly involved.
Key points:
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Applies to concealment, removal, or delivery of property with dishonest motives.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both, identical to IPC 424.
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Safeguards property from fraudulent manipulation or misuse.
For instance, if an individual deliberately hides valuable equipment to prevent its rightful use or seizure during legal proceedings, it would fall under BNS 424. This provision ensures continuity with IPC 424, reinforcing the accountability of individuals in handling property honestly.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 424 to BNS BNS 424.