IPC 488→BNS 350(2)

IPC 488 to BNS 350(2): Punishment for making use of any such false mark

Section 488 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 350(2) BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 488 →View BNS Section 350(2) →

IPC 488 to BNS 350(2) at a Glance

Section 488 IPC (Punishment for making use of any such false mark) is now Section 350(2) 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 488 to BNS 350(2)?

Section 488 IPC corresponds to Section 350(2) BNS. The text updates the reference from the last foregoing section to Section 350(1) BNS and refers to any false mark, while retaining identical punishment as for Section 350(1) BNS.

IPC 488 vs BNS 350(2): Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section488350(2)
OffencePunishment for making use of any such false markSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or both, as for Section 487 IPC.Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or fine, or both, as for Section 350(1) BNS.
FineThe court may impose a fine alone, or fine in addition to imprisonment. The statute specifies no upper limit.Same
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 488 and BNS 350(2): Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 488, IPC 1860

488. Punishment for making use of any such false mark.—Whoever makes use of any such false mark in any manner prohibited by the last foregoing section shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be punished as if he had committed an offence against that section.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 350(2), BNS 2023

Whoever makes use of any false mark in any manner prohibited under sub-section (1) shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be punished as if he had committed the offence under sub-section (1).

Ingredients: IPC 488 vs BNS 350(2)

Under IPC 488
  1. A false mark of the description prohibited by Section 487 IPC was upon a case, package or other receptacle containing goods
  2. The accused made use of that false mark in a manner prohibited by Section 487 IPC
  3. The accused does not prove that he acted without intent to defraud
Under BNS 350(2)
  1. Making use of any false mark upon a receptacle containing goods in a manner prohibited under Section 350(1) BNS
  2. The mark is reasonably calculated to deceive as to the presence, absence, nature, or quality of the contents
  3. Failure of the accused to prove that he acted without intent to defraud

What IPC 488 to BNS 350(2) Means for Pending Cases

For Section 488 IPC (now Section 350(2) BNS): under Section 350(2) BNS, the reference to the preceding section is updated to Section 350(1) BNS, but the offence and the punishment are unchanged, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 350(2) BNS and is framed on the same elements as before.

FAQs: IPC 488 to BNS 350(2)

What changed regarding Section 488 IPC under the BNS?▼

The offence and the punishment are unchanged. Section 488 IPC is enacted as Section 350(2) BNS, updating the cross-reference to Section 350(1) BNS in place of the last foregoing section.

Where does Section 488 IPC sit in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It sits in Section 350(2) BNS, in Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

Does Section 488 IPC or Section 350(2) BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 488 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 488 IPC. Section 350(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 ·