BNS Section 337 – Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 466
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 337: Forgery of Court Records or Public Registers
This section deals with the serious crime of forging documents or records that are officially maintained by courts, government authorities, or public servants. Below is a simple explanation of the law in easy-to-understand language:
What is the Offence?
The offence occurs when a person:
- Forges a document or electronic record that is:
- A court record or proceeding.
- A government-issued identity document (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID).
- A public register (e.g., birth, marriage, or burial records).
- A certificate or document issued by a public servant in their official capacity.
- An authority to file or defend a lawsuit, or a power of attorney.
What is the Punishment?
The punishment for this offence is:
- Jail term of up to 7 years, and
- Fine.
Other Important Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cognizable or Non-cognizable | Non-cognizable – Police cannot arrest without a warrant. |
| Bailable or Non-bailable | Non-bailable – The accused cannot easily get bail. |
| Court for Trial | Magistrate of the First Class – The case is tried by a higher-level Magistrate. |
Key Points to Understand
- Types of Forged Documents:
- Court records, government IDs, public registers, and official certificates.
- Intent to Deceive:
- The offender must forge the document with the intent to deceive or cause harm.
- Severity of the Crime:
- Forging official records is considered a serious crime due to its potential to disrupt legal and administrative systems.
Examples of the Offence
- Example 1:
- A creates a fake court order to claim ownership of a property. A is guilty under this section.
- Example 2:
- B forges a birth certificate to obtain a passport. B is guilty under this section.
- Example 3:
- C alters a marriage register to falsely prove a marriage. C is guilty under this section.
Why is this Law Important?
This law is important because:
- It protects the integrity of official records and documents.
- It prevents fraud and misuse of legal and administrative systems.
- It ensures that those who forge official documents face strict punishment.
Summary
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 337 makes it a crime to forge court records, government-issued documents, or public registers. The punishment includes up to 7 years in jail and a fine. The law ensures the authenticity of official records and deters fraudulent activities that harm public trust.
