IPC 488 vs BNS 488
● Retained in BNSCounterfeiting valuable security, will, or authority to transfer property
Section 488 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with counterfeiting, altering, or possessing valuable securities, wills, or authority to transfer property with intent to cheat or defraud. This section targets fraudulent acts involving high-value legal or financial documents, emphasizing protection of property rights and public trust.
Key points:
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Applies when a person counterfeits, possesses, or uses valuable documents such as securities, wills, or authority to transfer property intending to cheat.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine, reflecting the seriousness of the offence.
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Protects property rights, legal and financial transactions, and public confidence in official documents.
For example, forging a property transfer deed to unlawfully claim ownership constitutes an offence under IPC 488. This provision ensures strict deterrence against fraudulent acts targeting valuable documents.
Counterfeiting valuable security, will, or authority to transfer property
Section 488 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 488, punishing acts where a person counterfeits, alters, or possesses valuable securities, wills, or authority to transfer property with intent to defraud. This provision safeguards property rights, legal security, and public trust.
Key points:
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Covers forging, possessing, or using high-value legal documents to cheat or unlawfully benefit.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine, same as IPC.
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Ensures accountability for criminal acts that compromise property rights and legal documents.
For instance, creating a fake security bond to unlawfully secure money falls under BNS 488. This aligns with IPC 488 to protect valuable documents and prevent fraud.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 488 to BNS BNS 488.