IPC 274 vs BNS 274
● Retained in BNSCounterfeiting or altering government seal
Section 274 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with counterfeiting, forging, or fraudulently altering a government seal. Government seals are official symbols used on documents, certificates, and letters to signify authenticity. Counterfeiting these seals can lead to serious fraudulent activities and misuse of authority.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who makes, forges, or alters a government seal with intent to defraud or deceive.
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Knowledge of the forgery and intent to deceive are essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: If a person creates a fake seal of a government department to approve illegal transactions, IPC 274 applies. The law protects the integrity of official documents and prevents misuse of government authority.
Counterfeiting or altering government seal
Section 274 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 274. It punishes any individual who counterfeits, forges, or fraudulently alters a government seal with the intention to defraud or deceive.
Key points:
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Covers manufacture, possession, and use of fake or altered seals.
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Requires knowledge and fraudulent intent.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (same as IPC).
Example: A person using a forged government seal to certify false documents would be liable under BNS 274. This ensures protection of official seals and public trust in government-issued documents.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 274 to BNS BNS 274.