Bare Acts › BNS 2023 › Chapter XVII

BNS Chapter XVII – Documents and Property Marks (Sections 335–348)

Chapter XVII consolidates offences relating to false documents, forgery, counterfeiting of currency and government seals, and offences involving property marks. These provisions are essential for understanding criminal liability in commercial fraud, identity fraud and intellectual property violations under BNS 2023.

Documents Used as Evidence (Section 335)

Section 335 defines when a document is said to be used as evidence in a court of justice. This definitional provision underpins several fraud and forgery offences in the chapter.

Forgery (Sections 336–338)

Forgery is making a false document or electronic record with intent to cause damage, to support a fraudulent claim, or to commit fraud on any person. The core offence under Section 336 carries imprisonment up to 2 years. Forgery of a court record or register of birth, marriage or death carries up to 7 years (Section 337). Forgery of a valuable security, will, or authority to receive property carries up to 10 years (Section 338).

Using a Forged Document (Sections 340–341)

Section 340 punishes using a forged document as genuine with the same punishment as the forgery itself. Section 341 deals with possession of a forged document knowing it to be forged, with intent to use it.

Counterfeiting Device or Mark (Sections 342–344)

Section 342 punishes making or possessing a counterfeit seal, plate or other instrument for the purpose of committing forgery. Sections 343 and 344 address fraudulent cancellation, destruction or concealment of wills and other documents, carrying up to 7 years imprisonment.

Property Mark Offences (Sections 345–348)

A property mark is any mark used to denote that moveable property belongs to a particular person. Section 345 criminalises fraudulent use of a property mark. Section 346 punishes tampering with property marks. Sections 347 and 348 deal with making and possessing instruments for counterfeiting property marks. Punishments range from 1 to 3 years imprisonment with fine.

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