BNS Section 338
What is the punishment for forging a will or valuable security document?
Short answer
The offender can be sentenced to life imprisonment, or up to ten years, and must also pay a fine.
In detail
If a person creates or alters any document that pretends to be a will, a valuable security, an authority to adopt a child, or any paper that claims to give someone the right to make, transfer, receive, or deliver money, property, or securities, the law treats this as a serious crime. The punishment is severe: the court may order the offender to be imprisoned for life, or for a term that can go up to ten years. In addition to the jail term, the person will also be required to pay a monetary fine. This rule applies to all the listed types of forged documents, ensuring that anyone who attempts to deceive others by falsifying such important papers faces strict legal consequences.
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
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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.