IPC 477 → BNS 343: Cancellation of Will

Quick Summary: IPC 477 vs BNS 343

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 477 covers cancellation of will, 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 343, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 477 cover?

IPC 477 dealt with cancellation of will — fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security. 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 343: What changed in the new law?

Includes electronic records. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to cancellation of will are filed under BNS Section 343, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 343

Same - Life or up to 7 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For cancellation of will, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 343 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the cancellation of will offence is registered under BNS 343.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in cancellation of will, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.