Agreements are mainly governed by contract law, but the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, applies whenever fraud, cheating, forgery, coercion, or criminal misrepresentation is involved in creating or executing an agreement. BNS provides strong criminal safeguards to ensure that agreements are made honestly, without deception or pressure, and that no party suffers losses due to fraudulent or manipulated contracts. These protections help maintain transparency, fairness, and trust in all types of personal and business agreements.
Agreements
Agreements are primarily governed by contract and civil laws, but the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, applies when an agreement involves fraud, cheating, forgery, coercion, or criminal misrepresentation. BNS provides strong penalties to protect individuals and businesses from dishonest or fraudulent agreements and ensures lawful, transparent contract execution.
1. Protection Against Fraudulent Agreements
BNS penalizes false promises, cheating, and intentional misrepresentation made during contract creation.
2. Forgery & Fabrication of DocumentsAltering, faking, or tampering with agreements or signatures is treated as a serious criminal offence under BNS.
3. Coercion & Undue Influence
Agreements signed under threats, pressure, or illegal force fall under criminal scrutiny.
4. Safeguarding Business & Personal Interests
BNS ensures that both parties are protected from deceptive practices and unlawful contract manipulation.
Overview
Category: Agreements
Description
Agreements form the foundation of personal, commercial, and business relationships. While they are primarily enforced under civil and contract laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, plays a vital role when criminal elements are involved. BNS provides strong legal protection against fraudulent activities, ensuring that agreements are formed through honesty, free will, and proper documentation.
Under BNS, any act of cheating, such as entering into an agreement with dishonest intentions, providing false information, or misleading another party, can result in criminal liability. The law also strictly penalizes the creation or use of forged agreements, manipulated documents, or falsified signatures—issues that commonly arise in property dealings, business contracts, partnerships, and financial transactions.
BNS also covers agreements signed through coercion, threats, or undue influence, ensuring that no party is forced into a contract against their will. Additionally, any attempt to deceive another individual or business for wrongful gain during agreement formation is considered a punishable offence.
By introducing clearer provisions and stronger penalties for fraud, forgery, and misrepresentation, BNS helps maintain the integrity of agreements and protects individuals and businesses from criminal misuse. This framework ensures that contracts are executed with transparency, fairness, and legal accountability.

