IPC 473 to BNS 341(2): Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise
Section 473 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 341(2) BNS (2023)
IPC 473 to BNS 341(2) at a Glance
Section 473 IPC (Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise) is now Section 341(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 473 to BNS 341(2)?
Section 473 IPC corresponds to Section 341(2) BNS. The wording and the prescribed punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and 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 473 vs BNS 341(2): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 473 | 341(2) |
| Offence | Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise | Same |
| Punishment | Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven 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 473 and BNS 341(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 473, IPC 1860
Section 341(2), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 473 vs BNS 341(2)
- 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
- The accused acted with the intention that the instrument should be used for committing a forgery punishable under a section of the Chapter other than Section 467 IPC
- Making or counterfeiting any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, or possessing such an instrument knowing it to be counterfeit
- Intending that the instrument shall be used for committing a forgery punishable under any section of Chapter XVIII other than Section 338 BNS
What IPC 473 to BNS 341(2) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 473 to BNS 341(2)
What changed in Section 473 IPC under the BNS?▼
The substantive offence is preserved in Section 341(2) BNS with the same penalty of imprisonment for up to seven years and liability to fine. Section 341 BNS also introduces new offences in Section 341(3) BNS and Section 341(4) BNS for simple possession and fraudulent use of counterfeit seals.
Where does Section 473 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
It sits in Section 341(2) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.
Does Section 473 IPC or Section 341(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 473 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 473 IPC. Section 341(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 ·