IPC 486 → BNS 349: Selling Goods (False Mark)

Quick Summary: IPC 486 vs BNS 349

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 486 covers selling goods (false mark), 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 349, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 486 cover?

IPC 486 dealt with selling goods (false mark) — selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark. 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 349: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to selling goods (false mark) are filed under BNS Section 349, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 349

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For selling goods (false mark), whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 349 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the selling goods (false mark) offence is registered under BNS 349.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in selling goods (false mark), is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.