Section 247 BNS: Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 247 BNS at a Glance

Section 247 BNS deals with fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; it replaced Section 210 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
IPC Equivalent

Section 210 →

Section 247 BNS Bare Act Text

247. Fraudulently obtaining decree for sum not due

Whoever fraudulently obtains a decree or order against any person for a sum not due, or for a larger sum than is due or for any property or interest in property to which he is not entitled, or fraudulently causes a decree or order to be executed against any person after it has been satisfied or for anything in respect of which it has been satisfied, or fraudulently suffers or permits any such act to be done in his name, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Source: Section 247, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 247 BNS in Simple Words

Section 247 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with a person who fraudulently obtains a court decree or order for a sum not due, for a larger sum than is due, or for any property or interest in property to which he is not entitled. It also covers fraudulently causing a decree or order to be executed after it has been satisfied, or fraudulently suffering or permitting any such act to be done in one's name. In simple terms, it targets dishonest conduct in litigation and execution proceedings where court process is misused to claim money or property without entitlement.

The focus is not just on winning a civil case, but on whether the decree, order, or execution was procured or permitted by fraud. It matters because court decrees and orders should be based on real legal entitlement, not manipulation. If this provision is proved, the offender may face imprisonment of up to two years, or fine, or both, in addition to civil challenge to the decree or execution.

Ingredients of Section 247 BNS

  • Fraudulently obtaining a decree or order for a sum not due, a larger sum than due, or property not entitled
  • Or fraudulently causing execution of a decree or order after it has been satisfied
  • Or fraudulently suffering or permitting any such act to be done in one's name

Punishment Under Section 247 BNS

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to two years.

Fine

The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine. The section fixes no amount.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Fraudulently obtaining a decree for a sum not due or causing execution after satisfaction carries imprisonment for up to two years, or fine, or both.

Example of Section 247 BNS

Anand borrows fifty thousand rupees from Vikas and later pays the full amount back by bank transfer. Knowing that the debt has been fully satisfied, Vikas fraudulently applies to the civil court and obtains a decree for fifty thousand rupees against Anand, suppressing the repayment. Vikas is liable under Section 247 BNS because he fraudulently obtained a decree against a person for a sum not due.

When Section 247 BNS Does Not Apply

  • The accused did not act fraudulently in obtaining the decree or order
  • The decree or order was for a sum actually due or for property to which the accused was entitled, and it was not executed after it had been satisfied or for anything in respect of which it had been satisfied
  • The accused neither obtained the decree or order nor caused it to be executed, and did not suffer or permit either to be done in his name

Section 247 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 247 BNS replaces Section 210 IPC from the old criminal code.

Section 210 IPC is now Section 247 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

View IPC Section 210 →

FAQs on Section 247 BNS

Does Section 247 BNS apply only when a court decree or order is involved?▼

Yes. The offence applies where a person fraudulently obtains a decree or order, or fraudulently causes a satisfied decree or order to be executed, or permits such an act in his name. Without a decree or order, this section does not apply.

Under Section 247 BNS, is every wrong decree a criminal offence?▼

No. A wrong decree by itself is not enough. The prosecution must show that the person acted fraudulently in obtaining or executing the decree or order, or in permitting that to be done in his name.

Can Section 247 BNS be used in both property and loan disputes?▼

Yes. The section explicitly covers fraudulently obtaining a decree or order for a sum not due, a larger sum than due, or any property or interest in property to which the person is not entitled, as well as fraudulently executing a satisfied decree or order.

What is the punishment under Section 247 BNS?▼

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to 2 years, or fine, or both. It is also a bailable offence.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·