IPC 469 Is Now BNS 336(4): Forgery for Purpose, What Changed

What Changed From IPC 469 to BNS 336(4)?

Section 469 IPC corresponds to Section 336(4) BNS. The offence and the punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to three years and liability to fine remain unchanged. Section 336 BNS consolidates the definition of forgery from Section 463 IPC as Section 336(1) BNS, the general punishment 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 469 vs BNS 336(4): Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	469	336(4)
Offence	Forgery for purpose of harming reputation	Same
Punishment	Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.	Same
Fine	The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.	Same
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Magistrate of the first class	Same

IPC 469 and BNS 336(4): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 469, IPC 1860

469. Forgery for purpose of harming reputation.—Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 336(4), BNS 2023

Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 469 vs BNS 336(4)

Under IPC 469

The accused committed forgery as defined in Section 463 IPC by making a false document or electronic record under Section 464 IPC
The accused forged the document or electronic record intending that it should harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it was likely to be used for that purpose

Under BNS 336(4)

Committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS by making a false document or electronic record under Section 335 BNS
Intending that the forged document or electronic record shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose

What IPC 469 to BNS 336(4) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 469 IPC (now Section 336(4) BNS): under Section 336(4) BNS, the offence and penalties for forgery to harm reputation remain identical to Section 469 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 336(4) BNS and requires proof of the same statutory intent or knowledge.

FAQs: IPC 469 to BNS 336(4)

What changed in Section 469 IPC under the BNS?▼

The substantive offence and punishment remain identical. Section 336(4) BNS reproduces the text of Section 469 IPC, providing imprisonment of either description for up to three years and liability to fine.

Where does Section 469 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 336(4) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 469 IPC or Section 336(4) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 469 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 469 IPC. Section 336(4) BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 469 to BNS 336(4): Forgery for purpose of harming reputation

IPC 469 to BNS 336(4) at a Glance