IPC 472→BNS 341(1)

IPC 472 to BNS 341(1): Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467

Section 472 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 341(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 472 →View BNS Section 341(1) →

IPC 472 to BNS 341(1) at a Glance

Section 472 IPC (Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467) is now Section 341(1) 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 472 to BNS 341(1)?

Section 472 IPC corresponds to Section 341(1) BNS. The wording and prescribed punishments of imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for up to seven years with liability to fine remain unchanged, with Section 338 BNS cited in place of Section 467 IPC. Section 341 BNS also introduces two new offences without direct IPC counterparts: Section 341(3) BNS penalizes simple possession of a counterfeit seal, plate or instrument knowing it to be counterfeit with imprisonment up to three years and liability to fine, and Section 341(4) BNS penalizes fraudulently or dishonestly using such an instrument as genuine.

IPC 472 vs BNS 341(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section472341(1)
OffenceMaking or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467Same
PunishmentImprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.Same
FineThe offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 472 and BNS 341(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 472, IPC 1860

472. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467.—Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be used for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under section 467 of this Code, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 341(1), BNS 2023

Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be used for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under section 338 of this Sanhita, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 472 vs BNS 341(1)

Under IPC 472
  1. The accused made or counterfeited a seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, or possessed such an instrument knowing it to be counterfeit
  2. The accused acted with the specific intention that the seal, plate or other instrument should be used for committing a forgery punishable under Section 467 IPC
Under BNS 341(1)
  1. Making or counterfeiting any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, or possessing such an instrument knowing it to be counterfeit
  2. Intending that the instrument shall be used for committing a forgery punishable under Section 338 BNS

What IPC 472 to BNS 341(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 472 IPC (now Section 341(1) BNS): under Section 341(1) BNS, the offence and penalties for making or possessing a counterfeit seal for forging valuable securities remain identical to Section 472 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 341(1) BNS and references the corresponding valuable security offence in Section 338 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 472 to BNS 341(1)

What changed in Section 472 IPC under the BNS?▼

The existing offence is preserved in Section 341(1) BNS with identical punishments of imprisonment for life or up to seven years and liability to fine. In addition, Section 341 BNS adds new offences in Section 341(3) BNS and Section 341(4) BNS for simple knowing possession and fraudulent use of counterfeit seals.

Where does Section 472 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 341(1) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 472 IPC or Section 341(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 472 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 472 IPC. Section 341(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 ·