Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Here’s a clear summary of Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:
👩⚖️ Section 346 – Tampering with Property Mark with Intent to Cause Injury
Offence Defined:
“Whoever removes, destroys, defaces or adds to any property mark, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury to any person…”
The term property mark refers to any mark used to indicate that a movable item belongs to a particular person
Penalties:
Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Fine (amount not specified)
Or both
📚 Context within the BNS
This provision belongs to Chapter XVIII—“Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.” It logically follows Section 345 (use of false property mark) and is succeeded by sections on counterfeiting (Section 347+)
It closely parallels the Indian Penal Code approach but is the updated legal terminology under the 2023 reform.
✅ Key Takeaways
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Actus Reus | Removing, destroying, defacing, or adding to any property mark |
| Mens Rea | Intent or knowledge that such tampering may cause injury |
| Punishment | Up to 1 year imprisonment, fine, or both |
| Chapter | XVIII – Property Mark offenses |
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