IPC 30→BNS 2(31)

IPC 30 to BNS 2(31): “Valuable security”

Section 30 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 2(31) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 30 →View BNS Section 2(31) →

IPC 30 to BNS 2(31) at a Glance

Section 30 IPC (“Valuable security”) is now Section 2(31) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 30 to BNS 2(31)?

Section 2(31) BNS carries the definition with two wording changes. It says means where the IPC said denote, and it drops the opening words The words. The illustration is kept. It is now a clause of the definitions section, headed valuable security, in place of a section of its own.

IPC 30 vs BNS 2(31): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section302(31)
Offence“Valuable security”Same
PunishmentNone. Section 30 IPC creates no offence.None. Section 2(31) BNS creates no offence.
FineNone.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 30 and BNS 2(31): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 30, IPC 1860

30. “Valuable security”.—The words “valuable security” denote a document which is, or purports to be, a document whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released, or whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right. Illustration A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange. As the effect of this endorsement is to transfer the right to the bill to any person who may become the lawful holder of it, the endorsement is a “valuable security”.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 2(31), BNS 2023

(31) “valuable security” means a document which is, or purports to be, a document whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released, or whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right. Illustration. A writes his name on the back of a bill of exchange. As the effect of this endorsement is to transfer the right to the bill to any person who may become the lawful holder of it, the endorsement is a “valuable security”;

Ingredients: IPC 30 vs BNS 2(31)

Under IPC 30
  1. A document which is, or purports to be, a document
  2. Whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released
  3. Or whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right
Under BNS 2(31)
  1. A document which is, or purports to be, a document
  2. Whereby any legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released
  3. Or whereby any person acknowledges that he lies under legal liability, or has not a certain legal right

What IPC 30 to BNS 2(31) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 30 IPC (now Section 2(31) BNS): the definition reads the same in substance. A document which is, or purports to be, of the kind described is a valuable security under both Codes, so the offences that use the words keep the same meaning.

FAQs: IPC 30 to BNS 2(31)

Did the meaning of valuable security change when Section 30 IPC became Section 2(31) BNS?▼

No. Section 2(31) BNS says means where Section 30 IPC said denote and drops the opening words The words. The test is the same.

Is the illustration of Section 30 IPC kept in the BNS?▼

Yes. Section 2(31) BNS keeps the endorsement on the back of a bill of exchange as its illustration.

Does Section 30 IPC or Section 2(31) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 30 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 30 IPC. Section 2(31) 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 ·