Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 476 → BNS 341: Counterfeit Device (General)

IPC Section 476 (Counterfeit Device (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

476

Counterfeit Device (General)

Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467

New Law — BNS 2023

341

Counterfeit Device (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 476 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 476 (Counterfeit Device (General)) is now mapped to BNS Section 341.

What did IPC 476 cover?

IPC 476 dealt with counterfeit device (general) — counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467. 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 device (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 476.
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 476 ↔ BNS 341 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 476?

IPC Section 476 (Counterfeit Device (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 476 and BNS 341?

Merged into Section 341

Is IPC 476 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.