The IPC 1860 was replaced by the BNS 2023 (in force 2024-07-01); no verified section mapping on file for Section 204 — confirm the corresponding provision (savings: Section 358, BNS 2023).
Whoever secretes or destroys any [document or Electronic Record] which he may be lawfully compelled to produce as evidence in a Court of Justice, or in any proceeding lawfully held before a public servant as such, or obliterates or renders illegible the whole or any part of such [document or Electronic Record] with the intention of prevention the same from being produced or used as evidence before such Court or public servant as aforesaid, or after he shall have been lawfully summoned or required to produce the same for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE Punishment--Imprisonment for 2 years, or fine, or both--Non-cognizable--Bailable--Triable by Magistrate of the first class--Non-compoundable. Substituted by Act 21 of 2000 (w.e.f. 17/10/2000).