Concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life

What this section does

This section penalises a person who voluntarily conceals—by act, omission, use of encryption, or any information-hiding tool—the existence of a design to commit an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, or makes a false representation about such design, intending or knowing it likely to facilitate that offence. The punishment differs depending on whether the offence is ultimately committed.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

If the offence is committed: imprisonment of either description up to 7 years; if the offence is not committed: imprisonment of either description up to 3 years and fine.

Triable by

Magistrate of First Class

Cognizable

Yes

Bailable

No

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused voluntarily concealed the existence of a design to commit an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, or made a false representation about such design
2. Concealment was by any act, omission, use of encryption, or any other information-hiding tool
3. The accused intended to facilitate, or knew it was likely to facilitate, the commission of that offence

Derived from IPC s.118.