IPC §474 → BNS §339
Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine
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Comparison
474. Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine.—1[Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 466 of this Code], be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the document is one of the description mentioned in section 467, shall be punished with 2[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment of either description, for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 337 of this Sanhita, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the document is one of the description mentioned in section 338, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description, for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 474 absorbed into BNS 339 with electronic record added.
Old position
IPC 474 is concerned with Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine. Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine
New position
BNS 339 modifies the framework. Topic: Having possession of document described in section 337 or section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine. Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the
BNS 339 modifies IPC 474. IPC 474 absorbed into BNS 339 with electronic record added. BNS 339 text: Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-339 reproduces IPC-474's framework on having possession of forged document character-identically with drafting tidy-up. Punishment levels preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 474 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 339 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 339 (Having possession of document described in section 337 or section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §474 → BNS §339 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/474.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
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