BNS Section 302 - Computer Related Offenses

Whoever knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy or alter any computer source code used for a computer resource with an intention to cause damage.

Share:
Bailable, Cognizable

Official Text

“Whoever knowingly or intentionally conceals, destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy or alter any computer source code used for a computer resource with an intention to cause damage.”

Legal Analysis

Elements to Prove:

  • Concealing, destroying or altering source code.
  • Intent to cause damage.
  • Computer source code involved.

Potential Defenses:

  • No intent to cause damage.
  • Authorized modifications.
  • Legitimate software development.

Practical Examples

What Constitutes the Offense:

Deleting source code, altering program files, destroying software documentation.

What Doesn't Constitute:

Legitimate code modifications, authorized updates, or lawful software changes.

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 years, or Fine up to ₹2 lakh, or both

← Back to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita