IPC 463 → BNS 336: Forgery

Quick Summary: IPC 463 vs BNS 336

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 463 covers forgery, among the IPC's offences relating to documents and currency marks — forgery, making false documents, counterfeiting marks and currency-note offences. Carried into the BNS as BNS 336, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 463 cover?

IPC 463 dealt with forgery — definition of forgery. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 336: What changed in the new law?

Includes electronic documents. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to forgery are filed under BNS Section 336, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 336

N/A - Definition section

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For forgery, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 336 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the forgery offence is registered under BNS 336.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in forgery, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.