IPC 470→BNS 340(1)

IPC 470 to BNS 340(1): Forged document

Section 470 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 340(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 470 →View BNS Section 340(1) →

IPC 470 to BNS 340(1) at a Glance

Section 470 IPC (Forged document) is now Section 340(1) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 470 to BNS 340(1)?

Section 470 IPC corresponds to Section 340(1) BNS. The definition of a forged document or electronic record is reproduced without change in wording. Section 340 BNS consolidates this definition with Section 471 IPC, which punishes using a forged document or electronic record as genuine and becomes Section 340(2) BNS.

IPC 470 vs BNS 340(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section470340(1)
OffenceForged documentSame
PunishmentNone. Section 470 IPC defines a forged document and prescribes no punishment. Substantive offences are punished under Section 465 IPC to Section 469 IPC for making, Section 471 IPC for using, and Section 474 IPC for possessing.None. Section 340(1) BNS defines a forged document or electronic record and prescribes no punishment. Substantive offences are punished under Sections 336 to 338 BNS for making, Section 340(2) BNS for using, and Section 339 BNS for possessing.
FineNone. Section 470 IPC prescribes no fine.None. Section 340(1) BNS prescribes no fine.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 470 and BNS 340(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 470, IPC 1860

470. Forged document.—A false document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery is designated "a forged document or electronic record".
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 340(1), BNS 2023

A false document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery is designated a forged document or electronic record.

Ingredients: IPC 470 vs BNS 340(1)

Under IPC 470
  1. The document or electronic record is a false document or false electronic record within the meaning of Section 464 IPC
  2. The false document or electronic record was made wholly or in part by forgery, requiring one of the statutory intents listed in Section 463 IPC
Under BNS 340(1)
  1. A false document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery as defined in Section 335 BNS and Section 336(1) BNS
  2. The document or record was created or altered with any of the statutory intents specified in Section 336(1) BNS

What IPC 470 to BNS 340(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 470 IPC (now Section 340(1) BNS): under Section 340(1) BNS, the definition of a forged document or electronic record remains identical to Section 470 IPC. A charge for using or possessing such an instrument after the BNS came into force applies the definition in Section 340(1) BNS.

FAQs: IPC 470 to BNS 340(1)

What changed in Section 470 IPC under the BNS?▼

The definition is unchanged. Section 340(1) BNS reproduces the text of Section 470 IPC, while the offence of using a forged document as genuine from Section 471 IPC is placed alongside it as Section 340(2) BNS.

Where does Section 470 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 340(1) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 470 IPC or Section 340(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 470 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 470 IPC. Section 340(1) 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 ·