IPC 466 → BNS 337: Forgery of Record

Quick Summary: IPC 466 vs BNS 337

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 466 covers forgery of record, 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 337, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 466 cover?

IPC 466 dealt with forgery of record — forgery of record of court or of public register, etc.. 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 337: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to forgery of record are filed under BNS Section 337, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 337

Same - Up to 7 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For forgery of record, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 337 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the forgery of record offence is registered under BNS 337.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in forgery of record, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.