IPC 465→BNS 336(2)

IPC 465 to BNS 336(2): Punishment for forgery

Section 465 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 336(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 465 →View BNS Section 336(2) →

IPC 465 to BNS 336(2) at a Glance

Section 465 IPC (Punishment for forgery) is now Section 336(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 465 to BNS 336(2)?

Section 465 IPC corresponds to Section 336(2) BNS. The offence and the punishment are unchanged. Section 336 BNS consolidates the definition of forgery from Section 463 IPC as Section 336(1) BNS, the general penalty from Section 465 IPC as Section 336(2) BNS, forgery for cheating from Section 468 IPC as Section 336(3) BNS, and forgery for harming reputation from Section 469 IPC as Section 336(4) BNS.

IPC 465 vs BNS 336(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section465336(2)
OffencePunishment for forgerySame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years.Same
FineThe court may impose a fine instead of imprisonment, or both. The statute does not fix a maximum fine amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 465 and BNS 336(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 465, IPC 1860

465. Punishment for forgery.—Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 336(2), BNS 2023

Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 465 vs BNS 336(2)

Under IPC 465
  1. The accused made a false document or false electronic record, or part of a document or electronic record, as defined in Section 464 IPC
  2. The accused acted with at least one of the specific statutory intents listed in Section 463 IPC
Under BNS 336(2)
  1. Committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS by making a false document or electronic record under Section 335 BNS
  2. Acting with any statutory intent specified in Section 336(1) BNS, including intent to cause damage, support a claim or commit fraud

What IPC 465 to BNS 336(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 465 IPC (now Section 336(2) BNS): under Section 336(2) BNS, the offence and punishment for general forgery remain unchanged from Section 465 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 336(2) BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 465 to BNS 336(2)

What changed in the punishment for forgery when Section 465 IPC became Section 336(2) BNS?▼

The punishment remains unchanged. Section 336(2) BNS provides imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both, which is the same penalty provided under Section 465 IPC.

Where does Section 465 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 336(2) BNS, in Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 465 IPC or Section 336(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 465 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 465 IPC. Section 336(2) 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 ·