IPC 420 vs BNS 420 – Cheating and Dishonest Inducement of Property
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Section: IPC 420
Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
About IPC Section
Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, is one of the most recognized provisions dealing with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. It applies when a person, through dishonest means, induces another to deliver property, valuable security, or anything that can be converted into a valuable security. This section directly addresses frauds where deceitful acts cause wrongful gain to the offender and wrongful loss to the victim.
Key points:
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Covers cheating involving delivery of property or valuable security.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
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Protects against serious frauds causing significant financial harm.
For example, if a person takes money from someone by promising to sell land or goods they never intend to deliver, it constitutes an offence under IPC 420. This section is widely applied in cases of fraudulent transactions, scams, and contractual misrepresentations. By imposing severe punishment, IPC 420 seeks to deter individuals from engaging in such dishonest practices, ensuring economic security and trust in commercial dealings.
Section: BNS 420
Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
About BNS Section
Section 420 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, continues the framework of IPC 420, penalizing acts of cheating that result in delivery of property or valuable security. The law aims to prevent fraudulent schemes where individuals misuse trust to unlawfully gain property or money.
Key points:
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Punishes dishonest inducement leading to delivery of property or valuable security.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine, unchanged from IPC.
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Designed to tackle serious cheating offences with financial impact.
For instance, online frauds where victims are tricked into transferring money for fake products or services are covered under BNS 420. This section aligns fully with IPC 420 to ensure consistency in punishing fraudulent financial transactions, thereby safeguarding property rights and financial trust.