Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Section 237 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which falls under Chapter XIV – False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice:
🧾 Section 237 – Intentional Omission to Inform
Offence
If a person, knowing or having good reason to believe that an offence has been committed, intentionally fails to provide any information about that offence—even when legally obligated to do so—they commit an offence under Section 237. (prsindia.org)
Penalty
Such a person may be punished with:
Imprisonment (rigorous or simple) up to 6 months,
Fine up to ₹5,000,
Or both. (prsindia.org)
🔍 Key Points
Applies only if the person:
Knows (or suspects) an offence has taken place, and
Is legally bound to share that information (e.g., due to their role or specific laws), and
Deliberately chooses not to report it.
This is distinct from Sections dealing with fabricating evidence, lying, certificates, or declarations—Section 237 is solely about withholding required information.
📋 Summary Table
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Who it covers | Anyone legally required to report a known/suspected offence |
| Core conduct | Deliberately not providing the crime information |
| Penalty | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment, fine ≤ ₹5,000, or both |
🧭 Practical Example
A security guard witnesses a burglary in progress and knows they are required by law or policy to report it, but chooses not to and remains silent. That guard would be liable under Section 237 for intentionally omitting to report the crime.
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