IPC 471 to BNS 340(2): Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record

Section 471 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 340(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 471 →View BNS Section 340(2) →

IPC 471 to BNS 340(2) at a Glance

Section 471 IPC (Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) is now Section 340(2) 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 471 to BNS 340(2)?

Section 471 IPC corresponds to Section 340(2) BNS. The wording, elements and reference-based punishment remain unchanged. Section 340 BNS consolidates the definition of a forged document from Section 470 IPC as Section 340(1) BNS and the offence of using it as genuine from Section 471 IPC as Section 340(2) BNS.

IPC 471 vs BNS 340(2): Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	471	340(2)
Offence	Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record	Same
Punishment	By reference. The offender is punished in the same manner as if the offender had forged the document or electronic record: imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both, under Section 465 IPC; up to seven years and liability to fine under Section 466 IPC or Section 468 IPC; up to three years and liability to fine under Section 469 IPC; or imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine, under Section 467 IPC.	By reference. The offender is punished in the same manner as if the offender had forged the document or electronic record: imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both, under Section 336(2) BNS; up to seven years and liability to fine under Section 337 BNS or Section 336(3) BNS; up to three years and liability to fine under Section 336(4) BNS; or imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine, under Section 338 BNS.
Fine	By reference. Fine follows the section applicable to the forged document: fine alone or in addition under Section 465 IPC; liability to fine in addition to mandatory imprisonment under Section 466 to Section 469 IPC.	By reference. Fine follows the section applicable to the forged document: fine alone or in addition under Section 336(2) BNS; liability to fine in addition to mandatory imprisonment under Section 336(3), Section 336(4), Section 337, and Section 338 BNS.
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Magistrate of the first class	Same

IPC 471 and BNS 340(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 471, IPC 1860

471. Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record.—Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document or electronic record which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document or electronic record, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had forged such document or electronic record.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 340(2), BNS 2023

Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document or electronic record which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document or electronic record, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had forged such document or electronic record.

Ingredients: IPC 471 vs BNS 340(2)

Under IPC 471

The document or electronic record was a forged document or electronic record as defined in Section 470 IPC
The accused used the forged document or electronic record as genuine
The accused knew or had reason to believe that the document or electronic record was forged
The accused acted fraudulently or dishonestly in putting the document or electronic record to use

Under BNS 340(2)

Using as genuine any document or electronic record that is a forged document or electronic record under Section 340(1) BNS
Knowing or having reason to believe that the document or electronic record is forged
Acting fraudulently or dishonestly

What IPC 471 to BNS 340(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 471 IPC (now Section 340(2) BNS): under Section 340(2) BNS, the offence and penalties for using a forged document or electronic record as genuine remain identical to Section 471 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 340(2) BNS and borrows the punishment from the applicable BNS forgery section.

FAQs: IPC 471 to BNS 340(2)

What changed in Section 471 IPC under the BNS?▼

The offence and referential punishment are unchanged. Section 340(2) BNS reproduces the text of Section 471 IPC, sitting alongside the definition of forged document in Section 340(1) BNS.

Where does Section 471 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 340(2) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 471 IPC or Section 340(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 471 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 471 IPC. Section 340(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 ·