What Is BNS Section 340?

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 - Section 340: Forged Document or Electronic Record and Using It as Genuine

(1) A false document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery is designated a forged document or electronic record.

(2) Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document or electronic record which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document or electronic record, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had forged such document or electronic record.

Brief Detail

BNS Section 340 outlines the definition of forged documents and establishes penalties for those who use such documents fraudulently or dishonestly.

Question & Answers

Q1: What is defined as a forged document under Section 340?

A1: A forged document is defined as a false document or electronic record made wholly or in part by forgery, as per Section 340.

Q2: What are the consequences of using a forged document as genuine?

A2: If someone fraudulently or dishonestly uses a forged document as genuine, they will be punished in the same manner as if they had forged the document themselves.

Q3: Does intent play a role in the offense of using a forged document?

A3: Yes, the individual must know or have reason to believe that the document or electronic record is forged for the offense to apply under Section 340.

Q4: How is the punishment determined for using a forged document?

A4: The punishment is determined by the same standards as those for the act of forgery itself, as outlined in the section.

Example

For instance, if D uses a forged driving license knowing it to be fake to rent a car, D is committing an offense under Section 340.

Summary

BNS Section 340 specifies the legal implications of using forged documents, aligning the penalties for using such documents with those for forging them.