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Introduction of 343 BNS

BNS Section 343 addresses fraudulent acts related to critical legal documents, including wills, authorities to adopt, and valuable securities. It penalizes anyone who intentionally cancels, destroys, defaces, or attempts to conceal such documents to cause harm or commit fraud. These actions threaten legal and financial stability, and the section ensures severe consequences for those who engage in such deceitful conduct. The provision safeguards public and personal interests by protecting the authenticity and existence of essential documents.


The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 343 replaces the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 474.



What is BNS Section 343 ?

BNS Section 343 deals with the fraudulent cancellation, destruction, defacing, or concealing of important documents like wills, adoption authorities, or valuable securities. It aims to protect these documents from tampering, whether done dishonestly or to cause harm. Even attempting such acts is punishable under this section.


BNS 343 addresses fraud involving wills, securities, and adoption authorities.
BNS 343 penalizes fraud targeting critical legal and financial documents.

BNS 343 in Simple Points

  1. Fraudulent Actions on Wills and Securities
    This section focuses on fraudulent or dishonest acts such as canceling, destroying, or defacing a will, authority to adopt, or valuable security. Even attempts to commit such acts fall under its purview. These actions can harm individuals or the public and disrupt the legal sanctity of important documents.
  2. Intent to Harm or Cause Damage
    The section emphasizes the intent behind the act. If the purpose is to cause damage, injury, or financial loss to someone, or to benefit fraudulently, the offender can be charged. It ensures that dishonest motives are strictly penalized.
  3. Covers Attempts and Concealment
    Not just the destruction but attempts to cancel, destroy, or conceal such documents are also punishable. For instance, hiding a will to prevent its execution is equally serious under this section.
  4. Punishments Imposed
    The penalties include imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, along with a fine. This severe punishment reflects the importance of the documents in question and acts as a deterrent against such crimes.
  5. Non-Bailable and Non-Cognizable
    Offenses under BNS Section 343 are classified as non-bailable and non-cognizable. This ensures that arrests require prior judicial approval, and bail is not easily granted, reflecting the gravity of the offense.

Section 343 BNS Overview

BNS Section 343 addresses fraudulent or dishonest actions involving the cancellation, destruction, defacement, or concealment of important legal documents such as wills, authorities to adopt, or valuable securities. It also includes attempts to commit such acts with the intent to cause harm or injury to the public or individuals. These actions are treated as serious offenses to protect the authenticity and security of critical legal documents.

BNS Section 343: Fraudulent Cancellation, Destruction, etc., of Will, Authority to Adopt, or Valuable Security

1. Fraudulent Acts Covered

BNS Section 343 penalizes actions like fraudulently canceling, destroying, defacing, or concealing documents such as wills, authorities to adopt, or valuable securities. These acts are considered severe as they interfere with the legal and financial entitlements of individuals. Even attempting to engage in such fraudulent acts falls under this section, ensuring comprehensive protection against misuse.

2. Protecting Critical Documents

This section safeguards critical legal documents that hold significant personal and financial importance. Wills, for instance, outline the wishes of a deceased person, while valuable securities represent monetary value. By criminalizing their tampering, the section ensures the authenticity and reliability of these documents are maintained.

3. Intent Plays a Key Role

The section emphasizes the intent behind the act. If the offender’s purpose is to cause harm, loss, or injury, either to the public or a private individual, they are held accountable. It highlights that both the motive and the action matter in determining the severity of the crime.

4. Includes Attempts to Commit the Crime

Even if the fraudulent act is not completed, an attempt to cancel, destroy, deface, or conceal the document is punishable. This provision ensures that offenders cannot evade the law by claiming that their actions did not result in actual damage.

5. Severe Punishment for Offenders

The section imposes stringent penalties to deter such crimes. An offender can face imprisonment for life or imprisonment of up to seven years, along with a fine. These punishments reflect the seriousness of tampering with or destroying documents of legal or financial significance.

6. Non-Bailable Offense

Crimes under this section are non-bailable, meaning an accused person cannot claim bail as a matter of right. This classification underscores the gravity of the offense and aims to ensure the accused is appropriately scrutinized before being released.

7. Non-Cognizable Nature of the Offense

Being a non-cognizable offense, the police cannot arrest the accused without prior approval from a magistrate. This ensures that actions under this section are carefully reviewed to prevent misuse of authority or false accusations.

8. Trials Held by Magistrate of First Class

Offenses under this section are tried by a Magistrate of the first class. This ensures that cases are handled by experienced judicial officers, reflecting the importance of ensuring justice in such sensitive matters.

9. Safeguards Against Mischief

The section also covers acts of mischief with these documents. For example, defacing a will or tampering with an authority to adopt with malicious intent is punishable. This provision further broadens the scope of protection offered under this law.

10. Ensuring Public and Personal Trust

By addressing fraudulent actions involving crucial documents, this section upholds public and personal trust in legal and financial systems. It assures individuals that their important documents will be protected against tampering, fostering confidence in the justice system.

Examples of BNS Section 343

Example 1: Destroying a Will
A person destroys their sibling’s will, intending to inherit the property that was otherwise bequeathed to someone else. This fraudulent act is punishable under BNS Section 343 with severe penalties.

Example 2: Concealing an Authority to Adopt
An individual hides a document granting someone the authority to adopt a child, intending to disrupt the legal adoption process. This concealment falls under the ambit of this section and is punishable.


BNS 343 Punishment

Punishment :Punishment includes imprisonment for life or imprisonment up to 7 years

Fine : A fine is imposed in addition to the imprisonment, with the amount determined by the court based on the case.

BNS 343 punishment includes life imprisonment or up to 7 years with a fine
Punishment under BNS 343 includes imprisonment and a court-determined fine.

BNS 343 bailable or not ?

  • The offense is non-bailable, meaning bail is not granted as a right and requires judicial discretion.
  • This classification ensures that the accused undergoes proper scrutiny before potential release.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 343

BNS SectionOffensePunishmentBailable/Non-BailableCognizable/Non-CognizableTrial By
343Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, or concealment of a will, etc.Imprisonment for life, or 7 years + fineNon-BailableNon-CognizableMagistrate of first class

BNS Section 343 FAQs

What is covered under BNS Section 343?

BNS Section 343 covers acts like fraudulently canceling, destroying, defacing, or concealing legal documents such as wills, adoption authorities, and valuable securities.

What is the punishment under BNS Section 343?

Is BNS Section 343 a bailable offense?

Does BNS Section 343 include attempts to commit the offense?

What types of documents are protected under BNS Section 343?

Who handles cases under BNS Section 343?


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