Section 229A IPC: Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in court

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 229A IPC at a Glance

Section 229A IPC deals with failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in court. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 269 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 269 →

Section 229A IPC Bare Act Text

229A. Failure by person released on bail or bond to appear in court

Whoever, having been charged with an offence and released on bail or on bond without sureties, fails without sufficient cause (the burden of proving which shall lie upon him), to appear in court in accordance with the terms of the bail or bond, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Explanation

The punishment under this section is—

(a) in addition to the punishment to which the offender would be liable on a conviction for the offence with which he has been charged; and

(b) without prejudice to the power of the court to order forfeiture of the bond.

Source: Section 229A, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 229A IPC in Simple Words

Section 229A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes any person who, having been charged with an offence and released on bail or on bond without sureties, fails without sufficient cause to appear in court in accordance with the terms of the bail or bond. The burden of proving sufficient cause lies upon the accused.

The offence is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term extending to one year, or with fine, or with both. Under the statutory Explanation, this punishment is in addition to any penalty for the underlying offence charged and without prejudice to the power of the court to order forfeiture of the bond.

The offence is cognizable, non-bailable, non-compoundable, and triable by Any Magistrate.

Ingredients of Section 229A IPC

  • The person was charged with an offence
  • The person was released on bail or on bond without sureties
  • The person failed to appear in court in accordance with the terms of the bail or bond
  • The failure occurred without sufficient cause, the burden of proving which lies upon the accused

Punishment Under Section 229A IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year.

Fine

Fine without a specified statutory limit, or both imprisonment and fine.

Non-Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Failure to appear after release on bail or bond carries imprisonment of either description up to one year, or fine, or both, in addition to the sentence for the underlying charge.

Example of Section 229A IPC

In 2020, Deepak was charged with cheating before a court in Guwahati and was released on bail under terms requiring him to appear in court on the tenth day of November. On that day, Deepak did not appear in court in accordance with his bail terms because he travelled to Shillong for leisure. When brought before the court, Deepak could not discharge his burden of proving sufficient cause for his absence. Deepak is punishable under Section 229A IPC.

When Section 229A IPC Does Not Apply

  • The person was not charged with an offence or had not been released on bail or on a bond without sureties.
  • The accused attended court on the required dates in full compliance with the conditions of the bail or bond.
  • The accused missed the court hearing due to a genuine emergency, such as sudden hospitalisation, and discharges the burden of proving sufficient cause for the non-appearance.

Section 229A IPC in the BNS

Section 229A IPC is now covered under Section 269 BNS.

Section 229A IPC is now Section 269 BNS. The statutory phrase is adjusted from bail or on bond without sureties to bail bond or on bond, while preserving the one-year maximum imprisonment, the fine option, the reverse burden of proving sufficient cause, and the additional nature of the penalty.

View detailed comparison (IPC 229A vs BNS 269) →

FAQs on Section 229A IPC

What does Section 229A IPC punish?▼

It punishes a person charged with an offence who, having been released on bail or on bond without sureties, fails without sufficient cause to appear in court in accordance with the terms of the bail or bond.

What is the punishment under Section 229A IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Who has the burden of proving sufficient cause under Section 229A IPC?▼

The statutory text explicitly places the burden of proving sufficient cause upon the accused person who failed to appear.

Is the punishment under Section 229A IPC in addition to the sentence for the main offence?▼

Yes. The statutory Explanation provides that the sentence is in addition to any penalty awarded on conviction for the offence with which the accused was charged, and does not prejudice bond forfeiture.

Is an offence under Section 229A IPC bailable and cognizable?▼

An offence under Section 229A IPC is cognizable and non-bailable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, triable by Any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 229A IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 229A IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 229A IPC located in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 269 BNS.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·