Official Text
“Whoever, being a public servant, unlawfully destroys, alters, or conceals any official record or document, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Being public servant.
- Unlawfully destroying, altering, or concealing.
- Official record or document.
Potential Defenses:
- Not a public servant.
- No unlawful action.
- Authorized record management.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Government officials destroying important documents, public servants altering official records, officials concealing evidence unlawfully.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Authorized destruction, legitimate alterations, or lawful record management.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 3 years, or Fine, or both