IPC Section 477A = BNS Section 344

Falsification of Accounts

लेखा-बहियों का मिथ्याकरण

Forgery & Document Offences No Change in Punishment Cognizable Non-Bailable Updated: 2026-02-28

Overview

Section 477A of the IPC dealt with falsification of accounts by clerks, officers, or servants. Under BNS 2023, this is now Section 344.

Hindi IPC की धारा 477A लेखा-बहियों के मिथ्याकरण से संबंधित थी। BNS 2023 के तहत यह अब धारा 344 है।

Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect IPC (Old) BNS (New)
Section Number Section 477A Section 344
Title Falsification of Accounts Falsification of Accounts
Punishment Imprisonment up to 7 years, or fine, or both Imprisonment up to 7 years, or fine, or both
Cognizable Yes — Police can arrest without warrant
Bailable No — Bail at the discretion of the court
Compoundable No — Cannot be compounded/settled
Triable By Magistrate of the First Class

Key Changes

  • Section number changed from IPC 477A to BNS 344
  • Punishment remains the same
  • Electronic records expressly included

Ingredients of the Offence

To establish this offence, the prosecution must prove:

  1. 1 The accused being a clerk, officer, or servant
  2. 2 Wilfully and with intent to defraud falsified accounts
  3. 3 The falsification destroyed, altered, mutilated, or secreted the account

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 477A?

IPC Section 477A (Falsification of Accounts) is now BNS Section 344 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, effective from July 1, 2024.

Has the punishment changed from IPC 477A to BNS 344?

No, the punishment remains substantially the same. Under BNS 344: Imprisonment up to 7 years, or fine, or both.

Is BNS Section 344 cognizable?

Yes, BNS Section 344 is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence.

Legal Disclaimer

This IPC-to-BNS section comparison is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The mapping may not cover all nuances introduced by the new law. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before relying on this information. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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