Section 336 BNS: Forgery

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 336 BNS at a Glance

Section 336 BNS deals with forgery. It replaced Sections 463, 465, 468 and 469 IPC on 1 July 2024.

Punishment

None. Section 336(1) BNS defines forgery and prescribes no punishment. Penalties are provided under Section 336(2) BNS for general forgery and under Sections 336(3), 336(4), 337, and 338 BNS for aggravated forms.

IPC Equivalent

Section 463 →

Section 336 BNS Bare Act Text

Whoever makes any false document or false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record, with intent to cause damage or injury, to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.

Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall be used for the purpose of cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 336, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 336 BNS in the IPC (Previous Law)

Section 336 BNS replaced Sections 463, 465, 468 and 469 IPC from 1 July 2024.

Each sub-section below names its own source.

FAQs on Section 336 BNS

Is Section 336(1) BNS a punishment section?▼

No. Section 336(1) BNS only defines what forgery means under the BNS. The actual punishment comes from Section 336(2) BNS and other provisions, depending on the kind of document and the purpose of the forgery.

Under Section 336(1) BNS, does a forged signature alone amount to forgery?▼

It can, if the signature is used to make a false document with dishonest or fraudulent intent. The key issue is whether the false signature was part of creating a document meant to deceive or cause harm.

Can electronic records also fall under Section 336(1) BNS?▼

Yes. The definition covers false documents as well as electronic records. So forged digital records, altered files, and fake online documents may also attract forgery laws.

Under Section 336(1) BNS, what is the difference between forgery and using a forged document?▼

Forgery is the act of making or altering the false document. Using a forged document is a separate act and may attract a different offence, even if the person did not create the document themselves.

What does Section 336(2) BNS punish?▼

It punishes the act of forgery itself. If a person makes a false document or false electronic record with dishonest intent, this section can apply even if no one has yet been cheated by using it.

Is using a forged document covered under Section 336(2) BNS?▼

Not always. Section 336(2) BNS mainly covers making the forged document, while using it may attract other sections depending on the facts and the nature of the document.

Is Section 336(2) BNS a serious criminal offence?▼

Yes, but it is not among the most severe forgery offences. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or fine, or both, and the exact charge often depends on what was forged and why.

Can a false certificate or fake signature fall under Section 336(2) BNS?▼

Yes, if the facts show that a false document was made with the required dishonest intention. Police and courts usually look at who prepared it, for what purpose, and whether it was meant to mislead.

What is the main difference between Section 336(3) BNS and ordinary forgery?▼

Section 336(3) BNS applies when the forgery is done specifically for cheating. Ordinary forgery may involve making a false document, but this section requires proof of a dishonest plan to deceive someone using that document. That extra intent is what makes it more serious.

Can a fake certificate fall under Section 336(3) BNS?▼

Yes, if the certificate was forged with the intention of using it to cheat someone, such as an employer, university, or government office. The prosecution must still prove the dishonest purpose behind the forgery. A mere fake document is not enough by itself.

Is Section 336(3) BNS bailable?▼

No, it is generally treated as a non-bailable offence. It is also cognizable, so the police can register and investigate it more directly. Bail depends on the facts and the court's discretion.

What is the punishment under Section 336(3) BNS?▼

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to 7 years, and liability to fine. Courts look at the nature of the document, the scale of the fraud, and the impact on the victim while deciding sentence.

What is the main idea behind Section 336(4) BNS?▼

It deals with forgery done to hurt a person's reputation. The focus is not on financial loss, but on deliberate damage to how someone is viewed by others.

Does every false statement fall under Section 336(4) BNS?▼

No. There must be a forged document or electronic record. A mere verbal lie or false allegation is usually not enough unless it is reduced into a forged form covered by the law.

Under Section 336(4) BNS, can a fake WhatsApp message or email be covered?▼

Yes, if it is forged and made with the intention of harming reputation. The law is not limited to paper documents, so electronic records can also be relevant.

Is the offence under Section 336(4) BNS serious in court?▼

Yes, because reputation is a protected legal interest. Courts look closely at the maker's intention and the nature of the forged material before deciding guilt.

Section 336 BNS: Sub-sections Explained

Section 336(1) BNS: Forgery

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Bare Act Text

Whoever makes any false document or false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record, with intent to cause damage or injury, to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 336(1) BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines forgery in simple legal terms. A person commits forgery when they make a false document or electronic record, or alter one, with the intention to cause damage, support a false claim, commit fraud, or cheat someone. The section focuses on the making of the false document itself, not only on how it is later used. This provision applies to anyone who creates or changes a document in a dishonest or fraudulent way.

It matters in cases involving fake wills, forged signatures, false agreements, fabricated certificates, and altered records. In practice, this section is the foundation for more serious forgery offences under the BNS. Once forgery is proved, the law then looks at the nature of the document and the purpose behind it to decide the exact punishment under the relevant follow-up sections.

Key Ingredients

  • Making a false document or false electronic record, or part of a document or electronic record, as defined in Section 335 BNS
  • Acting with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed

Punishment

🔒 None. Section 336(1) BNS defines forgery and prescribes no punishment. Penalties are provided under Section 336(2) BNS for general forgery and under Sections 336(3), 336(4), 337, and 338 BNS for aggravated forms.

💰 None. Section 336(1) BNS prescribes no fine. Fines are provided under Section 336(2) BNS and subsequent provisions according to the nature of the forgery.

Section 336(1) BNS defines forgery without prescribing any penalty of its own. Penalties are enacted under Section 336(2) BNS and subsequent provisions.

Real-World Example

At an office in Ludhiana, Tarun desired to obtain a plot of land belonging to Farhan. Tarun prepared a written agreement stating that Farhan agreed to sell the plot to him, and signed the name of Farhan at the foot of the document without any authority, intending that others would believe Farhan had executed it. Farhan had never agreed to any sale. Tarun intended to use the document to support a claim to the land. Tarun made a false document within the meaning of Section 335 BNS with intent to support a claim to property, thereby committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS. The punishment for his act is under Section 336(2) BNS.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused made no false document or false electronic record within the meaning of Section 335 BNS
  • The accused made a false document or electronic record without any of the statutory intents listed in Section 336(1) BNS
  • An oral statement made without making any false document or electronic record

Previous Law

IPC 463 → Section 336(1) BNS

Section 463 IPC corresponds to Section 336(1) BNS. The definition of forgery is carried forward into Section 336(1) BNS without any change in wording. Section 336(1) BNS consolidates the definition with three punishing sections: Section 465 IPC becomes Section 336(2) BNS, Section 468 IPC becomes Section 336(3) BNS, and Section 469 IPC becomes Section 336(4) BNS.

Section 336(2) BNS: Punishment for forgery

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Bare Act Text

Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 336(2) BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with the punishment for forgery. It applies when a person makes a false document or false electronic record with the intention to cause harm, support a claim, cheat someone, or commit another offence. In simple terms, this section punishes the act of creating a forged document, even before the forged document is actually used. This provision is important because forged papers can affect property disputes, bank matters, identity records, contracts, court cases, and government dealings.

The law treats forgery seriously because it damages trust in written records. If the forged document is used for a more serious purpose, other sections may also apply, and the punishment can become much stricter. In practice, this section is often added in cases involving fake signatures, false certificates, altered records, and fabricated documents.

Key Ingredients

  • Committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS by making a false document or electronic record under Section 335 BNS
  • Acting with any statutory intent specified in Section 336(1) BNS, including intent to cause damage, support a claim or commit fraud

Punishment

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

🔒 Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years.

💰 The court may impose a fine instead of imprisonment, or both. The statute does not fix a maximum fine amount.

Forgery under Section 336(2) BNS is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Real-World Example

At an apartment complex in Vijayawada, Priya desired to construct an additional room and knew that her neighbour Ritu had lodged an objection with the municipal authorities. Priya prepared a written letter purporting to withdraw the objection and signed the name of Ritu at the bottom without her authority, intending the authorities to believe Ritu had consented. Ritu had never authorized any withdrawal. Priya made a false document with intent to cause injury to Ritu and to support a claim to building permission, thereby committing forgery under Section 336(1) BNS. Priya is punishable under Section 336(2) BNS with imprisonment of either description for up to two years, or with fine, or with both, regardless of whether the letter was successfully presented.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused made or signed the document under genuine lawful authority from the person entitled to grant it
  • The document was prepared or executed without any dishonest or fraudulent intent and without intent to cause damage, support a claim or commit fraud
  • A mere oral misrepresentation made without making or altering any document or electronic record

Previous Law

IPC 465 → Section 336(2) BNS

Section 465 IPC corresponds to Section 336(2) BNS. The offence and the punishment are unchanged. Section 336(2) BNS consolidates the definition of forgery from Section 463 IPC as Section 336(1) BNS, the general penalty from Section 465 IPC as Section 336(2) BNS, forgery for cheating from Section 468 IPC as Section 336(3) BNS, and forgery for harming reputation from Section 469 IPC as Section 336(4) BNS.

Section 336(3) BNS: Forgery for purpose of cheating

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Bare Act Text

Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall be used for the purpose of cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 336(3) BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with forgery done specifically for the purpose of cheating. It applies when a person makes a false document or electronic record with the intention that it will be used to deceive someone and cause wrongful gain or loss. The focus is not just on making a false document, but on the dishonest purpose behind it. This section is often used in cases involving fake agreements, forged certificates, false identity papers, or altered records prepared to mislead a person, bank, employer, or public authority.

To attract this section, the prosecution must show that the forgery was committed with the intention that the forged document would be used for cheating. In practice, this makes the section serious because it connects document forgery with a planned fraud. It is punishable more severely than ordinary forgery because the law treats cheating through forged papers as a deliberate and harmful act.

Key Ingredients

  • Committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS by making a false document or electronic record under Section 335 BNS
  • Intending that the document or electronic record so forged shall be used for the purpose of cheating

Punishment

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

🔒 Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.

💰 The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.

Section 336(3) BNS is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Real-World Example

In Pune, Vijay sought a bank loan that his legitimate salary could not secure. He fabricated three monthly pay slips purporting to be issued and signed by his employer, showing earnings double his actual salary, with the intent that the bank officer would be deceived into approving the loan. Vijay committed forgery intending that the forged document should be used for the purpose of cheating. Vijay is punishable under Section 336(3) BNS with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, and he is also liable to fine, even before the documents are delivered to the bank.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused committed forgery without intending that the forged document or electronic record should be used for the purpose of cheating
  • Acts of cheating or dishonesty committed without making or altering any false document or electronic record, which are punishable under Section 318(2) BNS or Section 318(4) BNS
  • A person who merely uses a forged document knowing it to be forged, without having forged it or shared the intention at the time of its making, which falls under Section 340(2) BNS
  • The document was genuine and executed with lawful authority without fraudulent or dishonest alteration

Previous Law

IPC 468 → Section 336(3) BNS

Section 468 IPC corresponds to Section 336(3) BNS. The offence and the punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and liability to fine remain unchanged. Section 336(3) BNS consolidates the definition of forgery from Section 463 IPC as Section 336(1) BNS, the general punishment from Section 465 IPC as Section 336(2) BNS, forgery for cheating from Section 468 IPC as Section 336(3) BNS, and forgery for harming reputation from Section 469 IPC as Section 336(4) BNS.

Section 336(4) BNS: Forgery for purpose of harming reputation

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Bare Act Text

Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explained in Simple Words

Section 336(4) BNS of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with making a false document or electronic record with the intention of harming someone’s reputation. The law applies when a person forges something not for money or property gain, but to injure how another person is seen by others. This can include fake letters, false certificates, fabricated messages, or any document created to make a person look dishonest, immoral, or untrustworthy.

To attract this section, the prosecution must show both forgery and a specific intention to damage reputation, or knowledge that the forged document or electronic record is likely to be used for that purpose. A careless error or a false statement by itself is not enough. The act must be deliberate and aimed at causing reputational harm.

In practice, this section is often used in disputes involving personal enmity, workplace conflicts, family disputes, political rivalry, or online fabrication. It matters because reputation can be seriously damaged by forged material, and Indian criminal law treats such conduct as a punishable offence.

Key Ingredients

  • Committing forgery as defined in Section 336(1) BNS by making a false document or electronic record under Section 335 BNS
  • Intending that the forged document or electronic record shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose

Punishment

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

🔒 Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.

💰 The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.

Section 336(4) BNS is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Real-World Example

In Kochi, Meera drafted an electronic letter purporting to be written and signed by her colleague Harpreet, in which Harpreet falsely requested a kickback from a business vendor. Meera intended to circulate the fabricated message across their company network so that Harpreet would lose professional esteem and face disciplinary action. Meera committed forgery intending to harm the reputation of Harpreet. Meera is punishable under Section 336(4) BNS with imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and she is also liable to fine.

When This Does Not Apply

  • The accused committed forgery without intending that the forged document or electronic record should harm the reputation of any party, and without knowing that it was likely to be used for that purpose
  • Sharing or distributing a genuine communication that damages reputation, where no document or electronic record was forged
  • Defamation committed solely through oral statements or genuine writings, which falls under Section 356(1) BNS and Section 356(2) BNS rather than the forgery provisions
  • The accused did not commit the forgery, and only received or forwarded the document

Previous Law

IPC 469 → Section 336(4) BNS

Section 469 IPC corresponds to Section 336(4) BNS. The offence and the punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to three years and liability to fine remain unchanged. Section 336(4) BNS consolidates the definition of forgery from Section 463 IPC as Section 336(1) BNS, the general punishment from Section 465 IPC as Section 336(2) BNS, forgery for cheating from Section 468 IPC as Section 336(3) BNS, and forgery for harming reputation from Section 469 IPC as Section 336(4) BNS.

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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 ·