IPC Section 69
🔷 IPC Section 69 – Taking possession of document or electronic record unlawfully
🧾 Text of Section 69 IPC:
"Whoever takes unlawful possession of any document or electronic record, which may be used as evidence of the commission of an offence, or which has been given under a direction of a public servant as evidence or for keeping, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both."
📘 Explanation in Simple Terms:
Section 69 criminalizes the unlawful taking possession of documents or electronic records that are important for legal evidence.
If someone wrongfully takes or steals documents or electronic records,
And those records are or may be used as evidence in a crime,
Or have been given to someone (like a public servant) for safekeeping or as evidence,
Then that person can be punished with imprisonment up to 3 years, or a fine, or both.
🔍 Key Elements of Section 69:
Taking unlawful possession: The person must acquire or keep the document or electronic record without legal authority.
Nature of the document or record: It must be related to evidence of an offence, or given by a public servant under direction for safekeeping or as evidence.
Intention: The possession is unlawful, implying a wrongful act such as theft, fraud, or concealment.
Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
🧑⚖️ Illustration (Example):
Suppose a person takes away computer files or documents from a police officer’s custody that are part of an ongoing investigation. That person can be punished under Section 69 for unlawfully taking possession of those records.
📝 Summary:
Protects documents and electronic records used as evidence from being unlawfully taken.
Applies especially when documents are in official custody or meant for legal proceedings.
Violation can lead to imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
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