IPC 474 → BNS 339: Possession Forged Doc

Quick Summary: IPC 474 vs BNS 339

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 474 covers possession forged doc, 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 339, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 474 cover?

IPC 474 dealt with possession forged doc — having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine. 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 339: What changed in the new law?

Treated as using forged document. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to possession forged doc are filed under BNS Section 339, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 339

Same

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For possession forged doc, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 339 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the possession forged doc offence is registered under BNS 339.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in possession forged doc, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.