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Forgery / Document Fraud

Someone has forged your signature, created fake documents in your name, or you have discovered fraudulent documents being used against you.

Do this now
  1. 01File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately
  2. 02Preserve the original and forged documents for comparison
  3. 03Get a handwriting/signature expert opinion
  4. 04If property documents are forged — file a caveat in court to prevent transactions
  5. 05Inform the concerned authority (bank, sub-registrar, government office)
  6. 06Apply for a stay order in court to prevent use of forged documents
  7. 07If forged documents have been registered, challenge them in court
Evidence to collect
  1. The forged document (original or certified copy)
  2. Your genuine document or signature samples for comparison
  3. Handwriting expert report
  4. Forensic analysis report (if possible)
  5. Witness statements about the forgery
  6. Any communication linking the accused to the forgery
  7. Transaction records if financial fraud is involved
Documents you need
  1. FIR copy
  2. Original and forged document copies
  3. Handwriting expert opinion
  4. Complaint to relevant authority (bank, registrar)
  5. Court application for stay/injunction
  6. ID proof
Where to complain
  1. Police Station — FIR for forgery (BNS 336/338/340)
  2. Sub-Registrar — If property documents are forged
  3. Bank — If financial instruments are forged
  4. Civil Court — For injunction against use of forged documents
  5. Cyber Crime Portal — If digital forgery
  6. Revenue Authority — For forged land records
Laws that apply
  1. BNS Section 336 — Forgery (up to 2 years imprisonment)
  2. BNS Section 336(3) — Forgery for purpose of cheating (up to 7 years)
  3. BNS Section 340 — Using as genuine a forged document
  4. BNS Section 338 — Forgery of valuable security or will (up to 10 years or life)
  5. Registration Act — For forged property documents
Understanding the issue

Forgery is the creation of a false document with intent to deceive. Under BNS, forgery is a serious criminal offence — making a false document (Section 336), forgery for the purpose of cheating (Section 336(3)), and using a forged document as genuine (Section 340). If property documents, government records, or financial instruments are forged, harsher punishments apply. You must act quickly to prevent further misuse of forged documents.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer immediately. Forgery cases require expert evidence and proper court procedures. A lawyer can help get urgent injunctions to prevent further misuse of forged documents.