Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Section 323 – Dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property

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.

Simplified Explanation

Section 323 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS 2023) addresses the dishonest or fraudulent removal or concealment of property and the consequences for individuals who engage in such actions.

Key Elements of Section 323:

1. Dishonest or Fraudulent Actions:
   • This section applies to individuals who dishonestly or fraudulently:
     • Conceal or remove any property that belongs to themselves or to another person.
     • Assist in the concealment or removal of such property.
     • Release any demand or claim to which they are legally entitled.
2. Punishment:
   • The individual found guilty of such actions shall be punished with:
     • Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or
     • Fine, or both imprisonment and fine.

Summary of Section 323:

• This section criminalizes the dishonest or fraudulent concealment or removal of property, or assisting in such actions, as well as the dishonest release of any lawful claim.
• The penalty for such offenses includes imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.