IPC 475→BNS 342(1)

IPC 475 to BNS 342(1): Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material

Section 475 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 342(1) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 475 →View BNS Section 342(1) →

IPC 475 to BNS 342(1) at a Glance

Section 475 IPC (Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material) is now Section 342(1) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 475 to BNS 342(1)?

Section 475 IPC corresponds to Section 342(1) BNS. The statutory 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 342 BNS consolidates this provision with Section 476 IPC, which covers authenticating devices for other documents and becomes Section 342(2) BNS.

IPC 475 vs BNS 342(1): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section475342(1)
OffenceCounterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked materialSame
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
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 475 and BNS 342(1): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 475, IPC 1860

475. Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material.—Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating any document described in section 467 of this Code, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who, with such intent, has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, 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 342(1), BNS 2023

Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating any document described in section 338, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who, with such intent, has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, 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 475 vs BNS 342(1)

Under IPC 475
  1. The accused counterfeited, upon or in the substance of any material, an authenticating device or mark used for documents described in Section 467 IPC, or possessed material upon or in the substance of which such a device or mark had been counterfeited
  2. The accused acted with the intention that the device or mark should be used for giving the appearance of authenticity to a document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material
Under BNS 342(1)
  1. Counterfeiting upon or in the substance of any material any device or mark used for authenticating documents described in Section 338 BNS, or possessing such marked material
  2. Intending that such device or mark shall be used for giving the appearance of authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material

What IPC 475 to BNS 342(1) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 475 IPC (now Section 342(1) BNS): under Section 342(1) BNS, the offence and penalties for counterfeiting authenticating marks for valuable securities remain identical to Section 475 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 342(1) BNS and references the underlying valuable security offence in Section 338 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 475 to BNS 342(1)

What changed in Section 475 IPC under the BNS?▼

The substantive offence and penalties remain identical. Section 342(1) BNS reproduces the text of Section 475 IPC, updating the reference to Section 338 BNS while retaining the penalty of imprisonment for life or up to seven years and liability to fine.

Where does Section 475 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 342(1) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 475 IPC or Section 342(1) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 475 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 475 IPC. Section 342(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 ·