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Introduction of 337 BNS

BNS Section 337 addresses the offense of forging documents or electronic records that are of critical public importance. These include court records, identity documents issued by the government (like Aadhaar or voter ID), public registers (e.g., birth or marriage records), and certificates made by public servants. This section ensures the integrity of public records and protects them from fraudulent tampering.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 337 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 466.



What is BNS Section 337 ?

Forgery under this section refers to the act of falsifying any document or electronic record that holds official or public importance, with fraudulent intent. This includes records maintained by courts or public authorities.


BNS Section 337 punishes forging public documents like court and ID records.
Protects critical public documents from forgery, ensuring authenticity.

BNS 337 in Simple Points

1. Forgery of Court Records

This section addresses the act of forging documents related to judicial proceedings, such as judgments, case files, or court orders. Tampering with court records can mislead the judiciary, obstruct justice, and cause significant harm to individuals or organizations. This provision ensures that legal processes remain transparent and authentic, and any attempt to compromise them is dealt with strictly.

2. Forgery of Public Registers

The section includes the forgery of official records like birth, marriage, or death registers, which are maintained by public servants. Such records are essential for legal and administrative purposes. For example, tampering with a birth certificate could falsely establish eligibility for government benefits or inheritance rights. By penalizing such acts, this law protects the reliability of these vital records.

3. Forgery of Identity Documents

Identity documents issued by the government, such as Aadhaar cards or voter ID cards, are explicitly covered under this section. Forgery of these documents can lead to identity theft, illegal access to benefits, or misuse of voting rights. This provision upholds the integrity of personal identity and prevents fraudulent activities that could harm individuals or society.

4. Inclusion of Digital Records

BNS Section 337 recognizes the increasing use of digital technology and includes electronic records within its scope. Registers or official data maintained in digital formats, as defined under the Information Technology Act, 2000, are equally protected. This ensures that forgery in the digital realm is treated with the same seriousness as forgery of physical documents.

5. Punishment and Classification

The section prescribes a punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine for anyone found guilty of forgery under its provisions. The offense is classified as non-bailable and non-cognizable, meaning that police require magistrate approval to investigate, and bail is not granted automatically. The case is tried by a Magistrate of the First Class, ensuring that it is handled with due diligence and fairness.


Section 337 BNS Overview

BNS Section 337 serves as a safeguard against the forgery of critical records, preserving the authenticity and reliability of documents that form the backbone of legal, administrative, and identity-related systems. The law aims to deter such fraudulent activities and ensure public trust in official records.

10 Key Points of BNS Section 337

1. Definition of Forgery in Public Records

BNS Section 337 addresses the forgery of official documents, including court records, public registers, and government-issued identity documents like voter ID or Aadhaar cards. The law applies to any act of creating, altering, or falsifying such records. It ensures that public trust in official documentation is protected, as these records hold significant legal and administrative value.

2. Inclusion of Court Proceedings

The section covers the forgery of documents related to court proceedings. This includes altering judgments, creating fake case records, or tampering with orders issued by a court. Such acts undermine the judicial process and may obstruct justice, which is why they are treated as a serious offense.

3. Coverage of Identity Documents

Forgery of government-issued identity documents, such as Aadhaar or voter ID cards, is explicitly included under this section. Such forgeries can lead to identity theft, fraud, or misuse of government services, making it crucial to address them with strict legal provisions.

4. Public Registers and Certificates

The law also applies to registers maintained by public servants, such as those recording births, marriages, or deaths. Forging these documents can lead to severe consequences, such as fraudulent claims to property or misuse of legal entitlements. Certificates issued by public servants in their official capacity are also protected under this section.

This section includes the forgery of documents granting legal authority, such as powers of attorney or authorizations to initiate or defend lawsuits. Such forgeries can deceive courts or individuals, leading to financial loss or other harm. The law safeguards the integrity of these crucial legal instruments.

6. Inclusion of Electronic Records

The explanation in this section clarifies that registers or documents in electronic form are also covered. This provision ensures that digital forgery, which has become more prevalent with the advancement of technology, is addressed. It aligns with the Information Technology Act, 2000, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

7. Punishment for Forgery

Under this section, the punishment for forgery can extend to seven years of imprisonment, along with a fine. The severity of the punishment reflects the high value placed on public trust in official documents and the significant consequences of forgery.

8. Non-Bailable and Non-Cognizable Offense

Forgery under this section is a non-bailable and non-cognizable offense. This means that bail is not granted automatically, and the police require permission from a magistrate to begin an investigation. This classification highlights the gravity of the offense.

9. Tried by Magistrate of the First Class

Cases under BNS Section 337 are tried by a Magistrate of the First Class, ensuring that the matter is handled by an experienced judicial authority. This guarantees a fair trial and careful examination of the evidence presented.

10. Importance of Protecting Public Records

This section is critical for maintaining the credibility and reliability of public records and official documents. It ensures that individuals and institutions can trust the legal and administrative systems without fear of fraud or tampering. The law aims to deter forgery and protect societal interests.

Examples of BNS Section 337 Violations

Example 1

A person forges an Aadhaar card to claim subsidies under a government scheme. This act falls under BNS Section 337 due to the forgery of an official identity document.

Example 2

A lawyer falsifies court records to manipulate a case outcome. This crime is punishable under BNS Section 337 for forging legal documents integral to judicial processes.


BNS 337 Punishment

  • Imprisonment: Up to 7 years.
  • Fine: The offender is also liable to pay a fine in addition to imprisonment.

BNS Section 337 outlines penalties for forging public documents, bail info.
Non-bailable forgery offense, trial by a first-class magistrate only

BNS 337 bailable or not ?

  • Bailable or Not?: Non-bailable (court discretion required for bail).
  • Cognizability: Non-cognizable (police cannot arrest without a warrant).
  • Trial By: Magistrate of the first class.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 337

BNS SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial By
337Forgery of court records, public registers, or identity documentsImprisonment up to 7 years and fineNon-BailableNon-CognizableMagistrate of the first class

BNS Section 337 FAQs

1. What is BNS Section 337?

2. What is the punishment under BNS Section 337?

3. Is forgery under BNS Section 337 bailable?

4. Does BNS Section 337 cover digital forgery?

Yes, it explicitly includes electronic records, ensuring that tampering with digital data is equally punishable.

5. Who conducts the trial under BNS Section 337?


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