IPC 476 → BNS 342(2): Counterfeit Device (General)

Quick Summary: IPC 476 vs BNS 342(2)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 476 covers counterfeit device (general), among the IPC's offences relating to documents and currency marks — forgery, making false documents, counterfeiting marks and currency-note offences. Carried into the BNS as BNS 342(2), its modernised definitions squarely cover electronic records and digital forgery.

What did IPC 476 cover?

IPC 476 dealt with counterfeit device (general) — counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 342(2): What changed in the new law?

Merged into Section 341. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to counterfeit device (general) are filed under BNS Section 342(2), while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 342(2)

Same - Up to 7 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For counterfeit device (general), whether the document is 'false' and was made to cause damage or fraud is decisive — anchor the defence in BNS 342(2) and the document's purpose.
• Police officers: Seize and exhibit the forged document or instrument; the counterfeit device (general) offence is registered under BNS 342(2).
• Law students & citizens: Creating or using a forged document — including digital records — to gain an advantage, as in counterfeit device (general), is an offence regardless of whether anyone ultimately lost money.