IPC 489 → BNS 346: Tampering Property Mark

Quick Summary: IPC 489 vs BNS 346

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 489 covers tampering property 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 346, its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 489 cover?

IPC 489 dealt with tampering property mark — tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury. 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 346: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to tampering property mark are filed under BNS Section 346, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 346

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For tampering property mark, whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 346 and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the tampering property mark offence is registered under BNS 346.
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in tampering property mark, is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.