IPC 477→BNS 343

IPC 477 to BNS 343: Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security

Section 477 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 343 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 477 →View BNS Section 343 →

IPC 477 to BNS 343 at a Glance

Section 477 IPC (Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security) is now Section 343 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 477 to BNS 343?

Section 477 IPC corresponds to Section 343 BNS. The statutory heading, substantive text, and prescribed punishments of imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description for up to seven years with liability to fine remain identical. An attempt to cancel, destroy, deface, or secrete the specified document remains punishable directly under Section 343 BNS as a substantive offence.

IPC 477 vs BNS 343: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section477343
OffenceFraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable securitySame
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 fix a maximum fine amount.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 477 and BNS 343: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 477, IPC 1860

477. Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security.—Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person, cancels, destroys or defaces, or attempts to cancel, destroy or deface, or secretes or attempts to secrete any document which is or purports to be a will, or an authority to adopt a son, or any valuable security, or commits mischief in respect of such document, 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 343, BNS 2023

Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person, cancels, destroys or defaces, or attempts to cancel, destroy or deface, or secretes or attempts to secrete any document which is or purports to be a will, or an authority to adopt a son, or any valuable security, or commits mischief in respect of such document, 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 477 vs BNS 343

Under IPC 477
  1. The document in question was or purported to be a will, an authority to adopt a son, or any valuable security
  2. The accused cancelled, destroyed, defaced, secreted, attempted to cancel, destroy, deface, or secrete, or committed mischief in respect of such document
  3. The accused acted fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person
Under BNS 343
  1. Cancelling, destroying, defacing, or secreting any document which is or purports to be a will, an authority to adopt a son, or any valuable security, or committing mischief in respect of it
  2. Attempting to cancel, destroy, deface, or secrete such a document
  3. Acting fraudulently, dishonestly, or with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person

What IPC 477 to BNS 343 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 477 IPC (now Section 343 BNS): under Section 343 BNS, the offence and penalties for fraudulent cancellation or destruction of wills, adoption authorities, and valuable securities remain identical to Section 477 IPC. An act of destruction, concealment, or attempt committed on or after 1 July 2024 is charged under Section 343 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 477 to BNS 343

What changed in Section 477 IPC under the BNS?▼

The provision remains completely unchanged. Section 343 BNS retains the exact heading, statutory text, and penalties of Section 477 IPC, providing imprisonment for life or up to seven years with liability to fine.

Where does Section 477 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 343 BNS, within Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 477 IPC or Section 343 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 477 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 477 IPC. Section 343 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 ·