IPC 216 vs BNS 216
● Retained in BNSUsing as genuine a forged document or electronic record
Section 216 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses the offence of using a forged document or electronic record as genuine. This applies when a person knowingly presents, uses, or causes to be used a forged document, intending it to be acted upon as authentic in legal, official, or commercial matters.
Key aspects:
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Forged documents can include contracts, certificates, IDs, or digital records.
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The intent must be to deceive, defraud, or gain unlawful advantage.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: Presenting a falsified property deed as genuine during a sale transaction. IPC 216 safeguards legal, administrative, and commercial systems from fraudulent documents, ensuring accountability.
Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record
Section 216 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 216. It punishes anyone who knowingly uses a forged document or electronic record as genuine, intending to mislead authorities, courts, or parties.
Key aspects:
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Documents may include paper-based, digital, or electronic records.
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Punishment remains: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
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Example: Using a fake bank statement to secure a loan or falsified certificates to gain employment.
BNS 216 ensures that forged documentation cannot be relied upon, strengthening the enforcement of law and commercial integrity.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 216 to BNS BNS 216.