Section 342 of BNS : Section 342: Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 338, or possessing counterfeit marked material .

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a businessman, is involved in a scheme to create fake property documents to sell non-existent land to unsuspecting buyers. He manages to get hold of a counterfeit stamp that is used by the local land registry office to authenticate property documents. Ravi uses this counterfeit stamp to create fake property deeds that look genuine. He then sells these fake deeds to multiple buyers, making a significant profit. When the buyers try to register the property, they find out that the documents are fake. Ravi is caught and charged under Section 342(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for counterfeiting a device used for authenticating documents described in section 338.

Example 2:

Priya, a software engineer, discovers a way to create fake digital certificates that are used to authenticate electronic contracts. She creates a counterfeit digital signature that mimics the signature used by a well-known certification authority. Priya then uses this counterfeit digital signature to authenticate several forged electronic contracts, making it appear as though they are legitimate. She also possesses several USB drives containing the counterfeit digital signature. Priya is arrested and charged under Section 342(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for counterfeiting a device used for authenticating electronic records.