BNS Section 343 – Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc, of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 477
Understanding Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 343: Fraudulent Cancellation or Destruction of Important Documents
What is the Crime?
If a person fraudulently or dishonestly (with bad intentions):
- Cancels, destroys, or damages a document like a will, adoption authority, or valuable security,
- Or tries to do so,
- Or hides such a document,
they are committing a crime under this section.
Punishment: Life imprisonment OR up to 7 years in jail + fine.
Key Points in Simple Table
| Crime | Punishment | Police Action | Bail? | Trial Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraudulently destroying/hiding a will, adoption papers, or valuable security | Life OR 7 years jail + fine | Non-cognizable | Non-bailable | First Class Magistrate |
What Documents Are Covered?
- Will: A legal paper that says who will get a person’s property after their death.
- Authority to Adopt: A document that allows someone to adopt a child.
- Valuable Security: Important papers like bonds, shares, or property documents.
Why is This Law Important?
- These documents are very important for individuals and society.
- Destroying or hiding them can cause harm to people or the public.
- This law protects such documents from being misused or damaged.
Real-Life Examples
- Example 1: Rajesh burns his father’s will to stop his sister from getting her share of the property. He can face life in jail or up to 7 years + fine.
- Example 2: Meena hides her friend’s adoption papers to stop the adoption process. She can get up to 7 years in jail + fine.
Conclusion
BNS Section 343 strictly punishes those who fraudulently destroy, damage, or hide important documents like wills, adoption papers, or valuable securities. The punishment can be life imprisonment or up to 7 years in jail, along with a fine. Always handle such documents carefully and avoid any illegal actions.
