IPC 273 vs BNS 273
● Retained in BNSForgery of government documents
Section 273 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with forgery of government documents, including certificates, licenses, and other official papers. The law is designed to protect public trust in official documents and prevent fraudulent acts that may harm individuals or the state.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who makes, forges, or falsifies a government document with intent to defraud.
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Knowledge of forgery and intent to deceive are essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: If a person forges a government-issued certificate to claim benefits or rights unlawfully, IPC 273 applies. This law ensures that the authenticity and reliability of government-issued documents are maintained.
Forgery of government documents
Section 273 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 273. It punishes any individual who forges, alters, or falsifies government-issued documents with intent to deceive or defraud.
Key points:
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Covers making, alteration, or use of forged government documents.
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Knowledge and fraudulent intent are necessary for liability.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (same as IPC).
Example: A person creating a fake government license to operate a business would be liable under BNS 273. The provision ensures protection of official documents and public trust in government records.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 273 to BNS BNS 273.