IPC 481 to BNS 345(2): Using a false property mark
Section 481 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 345(2) BNS (2023)
IPC 481 to BNS 345(2) at a Glance
Section 481 IPC (Using a false property mark) is now Section 345(2) BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.
What Changed From IPC 481 to BNS 345(2)?
Section 481 IPC corresponds to Section 345(2) BNS, with identical wording. In the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 479 IPC, Section 481 IPC and Section 482 IPC are arranged as three sub-sections of Section 345 BNS, covering the definition of a property mark, using a false property mark, and the punishment.
IPC 481 vs BNS 345(2): Comparison Table
| Aspect | IPC 1860 (repealed) | BNS 2023 (in force) |
|---|---|---|
| Section | 481 | 345(2) |
| Offence | Using a false property mark | Same |
| Punishment | None. Section 481 IPC defines using a false property mark and prescribes no sentence. The punishment is prescribed under Section 482 IPC as imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both. | None. Section 345(2) BNS defines using a false property mark and prescribes no sentence. The punishment is prescribed under Section 345(3) BNS as imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both. |
| Fine | None. Section 481 IPC prescribes no fine. The fine is prescribed under Section 482 IPC. | None. Section 345(2) BNS prescribes no fine. The fine is prescribed under Section 345(3) BNS. |
| Bail | Non-Bailable | Same |
| Cognizance | Non-Cognizable | Same |
| Compoundable | Non-Compoundable | Same |
IPC 481 and BNS 345(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side
Section 481, IPC 1860
Section 345(2), BNS 2023
Ingredients: IPC 481 vs BNS 345(2)
- Marking movable property or goods, or marking any case, package or other receptacle containing movable property or goods, or using any case, package or other receptacle having any mark on it
- The marking or using is done in a manner reasonably calculated to cause it to be believed that the property or goods, or the goods contained in the receptacle, belong to a particular person
- The property or goods do not belong to that person
- Marking movable property or goods, or marking a receptacle containing them, or using a receptacle with a mark on it
- Conduct reasonably calculated to cause belief that the property or goods belong to a person to whom they do not belong
What IPC 481 to BNS 345(2) Means for Pending Cases
FAQs: IPC 481 to BNS 345(2)
What changed in the definition of using a false property mark when Section 481 IPC became Section 345(2) BNS?▼
The wording is unchanged. Section 481 IPC becomes Section 345(2) BNS in identical terms, while Section 479 IPC and Section 482 IPC become Section 345(1) BNS and Section 345(3) BNS.
Where does Section 481 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
It sits in Section 345(2) BNS, in Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.
Does Section 481 IPC or Section 345(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼
Section 481 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 481 IPC. Section 345(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 ·