Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine
What this section does
Sub-section (1) defines a 'forged document or electronic record' as one made wholly or in part by forgery. Sub-section (2) creates the offence of fraudulently or dishonestly using a document or electronic record known or believed to be forged, and equates the punishment to that for the underlying forgery.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Same punishment as if the accused had forged the document or electronic record in question (punishment determined by reference to sections 336–338 as applicable)
- Triable by
- Sessions Court
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- Depends
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- Use of a document or electronic record as genuine
- The accused knows or has reason to believe the document or electronic record is forged
- The use is fraudulent or dishonest
Practitioner note
The punishment is not independently specified but is assimilated to the forgery punishment applicable to the particular document used. Practitioners must identify the relevant forgery provision to determine the applicable sentence.
- IPC Section 471 — Using as genuine a forged document
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 340, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 340 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.