BNS Section 337
What is the punishment for forging a court document or government ID?
Short answer
The offence is punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine.
In detail
If a person creates a false document or electronic record that pretends to be a court proceeding, a government‑issued identity like a voter card or Aadhaar, a birth, marriage or burial register, or any official certificate, the law treats this as forgery. The offence carries a maximum prison term of seven years, and the court may also order the offender to pay a fine. The definition of "register" is broad and includes any electronic list or data maintained as defined under the Information Technology Act. This means that both paper and digital records are covered. The punishment applies regardless of whether the forged document was used in a legal case or for any other purpose, and the fine is imposed in addition to the jail term.
Related questions
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
Can a husband be forced to financially support his wife, children, or parents if he refuses?
Yes, a magistrate can order him to pay a monthly allowance and enforce it with fines or up to one month in jail.
If I accidentally hurt a consenting adult during a game, can I be criminally liable?
No, you are not criminally liable if the act was not intended to cause death or serious injury and the adult gave consent.
Can I defend myself even if it might harm a child nearby?
Yes, the law permits you to use private defence even if it risks harming an innocent person during a deadly assault.
People also ask
- Can forging an Aadhaar card result in jail time?
- Is there a separate penalty for forging electronic records?
- What does the law consider a "register" for forgery purposes?
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.