IPC 476→BNS 342(2)

IPC 476 to BNS 342(2): Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material

Section 476 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 342(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 476 →View BNS Section 342(2) →

IPC 476 to BNS 342(2) at a Glance

Section 476 IPC (Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material) is now Section 342(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 476 to BNS 342(2)?

Section 476 IPC corresponds to Section 342(2) BNS. The statutory wording and prescribed penalty of 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 475 IPC, which covers authenticating devices for documents described in Section 467 IPC and becomes Section 342(1) BNS.

IPC 476 vs BNS 342(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section476342(2)
OffenceCounterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked materialSame
PunishmentImprisonment 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
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 476 and BNS 342(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 476, IPC 1860

476. Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those 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 or electronic record other than the documents 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 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(2), BNS 2023

Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating any document or electronic record other than the documents 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 of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Ingredients: IPC 476 vs BNS 342(2)

Under IPC 476
  1. The accused counterfeited, upon or in the substance of any material, an authenticating device or mark used for any document or electronic record other than one 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(2)
  1. Counterfeiting upon or in the substance of any material any device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those 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 476 to BNS 342(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 476 IPC (now Section 342(2) BNS): under Section 342(2) BNS, the offence and penalties for counterfeiting authenticating marks on ordinary documents remain identical to Section 476 IPC. A charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 342(2) BNS and references the exclusion of Section 338 BNS documents.

FAQs: IPC 476 to BNS 342(2)

What changed in Section 476 IPC under the BNS?▼

The substantive offence and penalties remain identical. Section 342(2) BNS reproduces the text of Section 476 IPC, updating the reference to Section 338 BNS while retaining the penalty of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and liability to fine.

Where does Section 476 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 342(2) BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 476 IPC or Section 342(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 476 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 476 IPC. Section 342(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 ·