Code: Section 250 BNS
Whoever accepts or attempts to obtain, or agrees to accept, any gratification
for himself or any other person, or any restitution of property to himself or any other
person, in consideration of his concealing an offence or of his screening any person from
legal punishment for any offence, or of his not proceeding against any person for the
purpose of bringing him to legal punishment shall,––
(a) if the offence is punishable with death, be punished with imprisonment of
either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be
liable to fine;
(b) if the offence is punishable with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment
which may extend to ten years, be punished with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine;
(c) if the offence is punishable with imprisonment not extending to ten years,
be punished with imprisonment of the description provided for the offence for a
term which may extend to one-fourth part of the longest term of imprisonment
provided for the offence, or with fine, or with both.
Explanation of Section 250 BNS
What Does Section 250 BNS Cover?
Section 250 BNS punishes anyone who accepts bribes, gifts, or any benefit in exchange for hiding a crime or protecting a criminal from punishment.
Key Elements of Section 250 BNS
- Acceptance of a Gift or Bribe – The accused must receive or agree to receive gratification.
- Intent to Conceal a Crime – The accused must agree to shield an offender or help them avoid punishment.
- Punishment Depends on the Crime:
- If the hidden offence is serious (death/life imprisonment/10+ years) → Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.
- If the hidden offence is minor (under 10 years imprisonment) → Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine.
- Stricter Punishment for Public Servants – Government officials accepting bribes face additional penalties under Section 260 BNS.
Illustration
Example 1: Bribe to Conceal a Murder
A commits murder. B, a private citizen, accepts money from A to hide evidence or mislead the police. Since murder is punishable with death or life imprisonment, B can be jailed for up to 7 years under Section 250 BNS.
Example 2: Bribe to Hide a Theft Case
X is accused of theft. Y, a private citizen, accepts a gift from X’s family to mislead the court. Since theft carries less than 10 years of imprisonment, Y can be jailed for up to 3 years.
Example 3: Public Servant Taking a Bribe
A police officer accepts a bribe to release an accused person. Since the officer is a public servant, they face harsher punishment under Section 260 BNS.
Common Questions and Answers on Section 250 BNS
1. What is the main objective of Section 250 BNS?
- This section prevents corruption by punishing those who accept bribes to protect criminals.
2. What is the punishment under Section 250 BNS?
- For serious crimes (death/life imprisonment/10+ years) → Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.
- For minor crimes (under 10 years imprisonment) → Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine.
3. Who can be punished under Section 250 BNS?
- Any private individual or public official who accepts a gift or bribe to protect an offender.
4. Is Section 250 BNS applicable to public servants?
- Yes, but public servants face additional penalties under Section 260 BNS.
5. Is Section 250 BNS a cognizable offence?
- Yes, the police can arrest the accused without a warrant.
Conclusion
Section 250 BNS discourages corruption and ensures that criminals cannot escape justice by bribing others. It also imposes strict penalties on public officials who misuse their power.
For more legal insights, visit ApniLaw today! 🚀
