Failure by person released on bail bond or bond to appear in Court
What this section does
This section penalises a person who, having been charged with an offence and released on bail or bond, fails without sufficient cause to appear in court as required by the terms of the bail or bond. The burden of proving sufficient cause lies on the accused. The punishment is cumulative and does not affect the court's power to forfeit the bond.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description up to 1 year, or fine, or both (in addition to punishment for the underlying offence, and without prejudice to bond forfeiture)
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused was charged with an offence and released on bail bond or bond
- The accused failed to appear in court in accordance with the terms of the bail or bond
- The failure was without sufficient cause (burden of proof on the accused to show sufficient cause)
Practitioner note
This is a new provision in BNS with no direct IPC equivalent. The Explanation clarifies that this punishment is cumulative and does not bar the court from ordering forfeiture of the bond under applicable procedural law. The reverse burden of proof (sufficient cause) is notable.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 269, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 269 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.