What Is BNS Section 336?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 336: Forgery

(1) Whoever makes any false document or false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record, with intent to cause damage or injury to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.

(2) Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

(3) Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall be used for the purpose of cheating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.

(4) Whoever commits forgery, intending that the document or electronic record forged shall harm the reputation of any party, or knowing that it is likely to be used for that purpose, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 336 defines forgery, specifying actions that constitute forgery and the associated penalties for various intentions behind the act.

Question & Answers

Q1: What actions are classified as forgery under Section 336?

A1: Actions that involve making false documents or electronic records with the intent to deceive, cause injury, support false claims, or defraud others are classified as forgery.

Q2: What are the penalties for committing forgery?

A2: The penalties for committing forgery can range from imprisonment for up to two years to seven years, depending on the intent behind the act, along with potential fines.

Q3: What is the penalty if the forgery is intended to harm someone's reputation?

A3: If the forgery is intended to harm someone's reputation, the offender may face imprisonment for up to three years and may also be liable for fines.

Q4: Is there a difference in punishment based on the intent behind the forgery?

A4: Yes, the punishment varies depending on whether the intent was to cheat, cause damage, or harm reputation, with longer terms for serious intentions like cheating.

Example

For instance, if A forges a document to claim ownership of property fraudulently, intending to sell it to B, A is committing forgery under Section 336.

Summary

BNS Section 336 elaborates on the concept of forgery, detailing various intents and the corresponding penalties, highlighting the seriousness of committing such an offense.