Having possession of document described in section 337 or section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine
What this section does
Punishes possession of a forged document or electronic record with knowledge of its forgery and intent to use it as genuine. The punishment mirrors the category of the forged document: section 337-type documents attract up to 7 years; section 338-type documents attract imprisonment for life or up to 7 years.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- If section 337 document: up to 7 years imprisonment + fine; if section 338 document: imprisonment for life or up to 7 years imprisonment + fine
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Possession of a document or electronic record
- Knowledge that the document or electronic record is forged
- Intent to use it fraudulently or dishonestly as genuine
- The document must fall within the description in section 337 or section 338
Practitioner note
Mere possession with the requisite knowledge and intent suffices; actual use is not required. The section cross-references sections 337 and 338 to determine the applicable punishment tier.
Derived from IPC s.474.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 339, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 339 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.