BNS Section 243
What is the punishment for hiding property to avoid court seizure?
Short answer
The offence can lead to up to three years' imprisonment, a fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
In detail
If a person deliberately moves, hides, transfers, or gives away any property or interest in it with the intention of stopping that property from being taken because a court has already ordered a forfeiture, fine, or execution, or is likely to do so, the law treats this as a criminal act. The purpose is to prevent the evasion of legal orders that require the property to be seized. Under this provision, the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term that can extend to three years, may be ordered to pay a fine that can go up to five thousand rupees, or may face both imprisonment and fine together. The punishment applies regardless of whether the court order is criminal or civil, as long as the person knows about the order or its likelihood and still tries to conceal the property.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
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Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.