IPC 213 → BNS 250: Gift to Screen Offender

Quick Summary: IPC 213 vs BNS 250

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 213 addresses gift to screen offender, part of the IPC's offences against public justice — false evidence, fabrication, screening offenders and similar interference with the justice process. These are carried into the BNS with the same structure, and gift to screen offender is now prosecuted as BNS 250, protecting the integrity of investigations and trials in its own right.

What did IPC 213 cover?

IPC 213 dealt with gift to screen offender — taking gift, etc., to screen an offender from punishment. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 250: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to gift to screen offender are filed under BNS Section 250, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 250

Same

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: In a gift to screen offender matter, intention and the materiality of the false statement are decisive; ensure the complaint cites BNS 250 and meets the pre-conditions for prosecuting court-related offences.
• Police officers: Document the false statement or fabricated evidence precisely — the gift to screen offender offence is now BNS 250.
• Law students & citizens: Lying on oath, forging evidence or helping an offender escape — the conduct behind gift to screen offender — is punishable separately from the main case.