Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 473 → BNS 341: Counterfeit Seal (General)

IPC Section 473 (Counterfeit Seal (General)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 341 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

473

Counterfeit Seal (General)

Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise

New Law — BNS 2023

341

Counterfeit Seal (General)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 7 years

Key Change / Note

Merged into Section 341

Facing a case under BNS 341?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 341.

Quick Summary: IPC 473 vs BNS 341

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 473 (Counterfeit Seal (General)) is now mapped to BNS Section 341.

What did IPC 473 cover?

IPC 473 dealt with counterfeit seal (general) — making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 341: What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 341. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to counterfeit seal (general) are filed under BNS Section 341. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 341

Same - Up to 7 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 341 instead of IPC 473.
Police officers: Use BNS 341 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 473 ↔ BNS 341 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 473?

IPC Section 473 (Counterfeit Seal (General)) is now covered under Section 341 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 341?

Same - Up to 7 years

What is the key difference between IPC 473 and BNS 341?

Merged into Section 341

Is IPC 473 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.