IPC 218→BNS 256

IPC 218 to BNS 256: Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture

Section 218 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 256 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 218 →View BNS Section 256 →

IPC 218 to BNS 256 at a Glance

Section 218 IPC (Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture) is now Section 256 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 218 to BNS 256?

Section 218 IPC is now Section 256 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

IPC 218 vs BNS 256: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section218256
OffencePublic servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeitureSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 218 and BNS 256: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 218, IPC 1860

218. Public servant framing incorrect record or writing with intent to save person from punishment or property from forfeiture.—Whoever, being a public servant, and being as such public servant, charged with the preparation of any record or other writing, frames that record or writing in a manner which he knows to be incorrect, with intent to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, loss or injury to the public or to any person, or with intent thereby to save, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby save, any person from legal punishment, or with intent to save, or knowing that he is likely thereby to save, any property from forfeiture or other charge to which it is liable by law, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 256, BNS 2023

Whoever, being a public servant, and being as such public servant, charged with the preparation of any record or other writing, frames that record or writing in a manner which he knows to be incorrect, with intent to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, loss or injury to the public or to any person, or with intent thereby to save, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby save, any person from legal punishment, or with intent to save, or knowing that he is likely thereby to save, any property from forfeiture or other charge to which it is liable by law, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 218 vs BNS 256

Under IPC 218
  1. The accused was a public servant
  2. The accused was, as such public servant, charged with the preparation of a record or other writing
  3. The accused framed that record or writing in a manner which he knew to be incorrect
  4. The accused acted with intent to cause or knowing it to be likely that he would cause loss or injury to the public or to any person, or with intent to save or knowing it to be likely that he would save any person from legal punishment, or with intent to save or knowing that he was likely to save any property from forfeiture or other legal charge
Under BNS 256
  1. Public servant charged with the preparation of a record or writing
  2. Framing of that record or writing in a manner known to be incorrect
  3. Intent or knowledge of likelihood of causing loss or injury, saving a person from legal punishment, or saving property from forfeiture or charge

What IPC 218 to BNS 256 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 218 IPC (now Section 256 BNS): the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so the charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 256 BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 218 to BNS 256

What changed when Section 218 IPC became Section 256 BNS?▼

Only the number. Section 256 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 218 IPC, and the penalty remains imprisonment of either description for up to three years, or fine, or both.

Where does Section 218 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 256 BNS, in Chapter XIV, Of False Evidence and Offences Against Public Justice.

Does Section 218 IPC or Section 256 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 218 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 218 IPC. Section 256 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·