IPC 474→BNS 339

IPC 474 to BNS 339: Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine

Section 474 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 339 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 474 →View BNS Section 339 →

IPC 474 to BNS 339 at a Glance

Section 474 IPC (Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine) is now Section 339 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 474 to BNS 339?

Section 474 IPC corresponds to Section 339 BNS. The statutory wording and prescribed punishments of imprisonment up to seven years for court records and public registers, and imprisonment for life or imprisonment up to seven years for valuable securities and wills, remain unchanged. In Section 339 BNS, references to Section 466 IPC and Section 467 IPC are replaced by Section 337 BNS and Section 338 BNS respectively. Because Section 337 BNS expressly covers government identity cards such as voter cards and Aadhaar Cards, possessing such a forged identity card now falls within the seven-year limb of Section 339 BNS.

IPC 474 vs BNS 339: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section474339
OffenceHaving possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuineSame
PunishmentFor a document described in Section 466 IPC, imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years. For a document described in Section 467 IPC, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.For a document or electronic record described in Section 337 BNS, imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years. For a document described in Section 338 BNS, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.
FineThe offender is also liable to fine in both cases. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.Same
BailBailableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 474 and BNS 339: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 474, IPC 1860

474. Having possession of document described in section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it genuine.—Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 466 of this Code, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the document is one of the description mentioned in section 467, 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 339, BNS 2023

Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 337 of this Sanhita, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the document is one of the description mentioned in section 338, 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 474 vs BNS 339

Under IPC 474
  1. The accused had in his possession a document or electronic record
  2. The accused knew that the document or electronic record was forged
  3. The accused intended that the document or electronic record should fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine
  4. The document or electronic record was of a description mentioned in Section 466 IPC or Section 467 IPC
Under BNS 339
  1. Having in possession any document or electronic record, knowing it to be forged
  2. Intending that the document or electronic record shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine
  3. The instrument is of a description mentioned in Section 337 BNS or Section 338 BNS

What IPC 474 to BNS 339 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 474 IPC (now Section 339 BNS): under Section 339 BNS, the offence and punishments for possessing forged public records or valuable securities remain identical to Section 474 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 339 BNS and cross-references Section 337 BNS or Section 338 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 474 to BNS 339

What changed in Section 474 IPC under the BNS?▼

The substantive offence and punishments remain identical. Section 339 BNS replaces Section 474 IPC, updating cross-references to Section 337 BNS and Section 338 BNS while maintaining the distinct penalties for public records and valuable securities.

Where does Section 474 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 339 BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 474 IPC or Section 339 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 474 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 474 IPC. Section 339 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 ·