Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting, any stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanations a person commits this offence who counterfeits by causing a genuine stamps of one denomination to appear like a genuine stamp of a different denomination
IPC Section 255: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 255 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of counterfeiting coins. This section explicitly targets individuals who engage in the illegal act of making counterfeit coins, intending to use them as genuine or to deceive others. The term “coin” in this context refers to metallic currency used as money.
Is IPC Section 255 bailable?
No, IPC Section 255 is a non-bailable offence. This means that the accused does not have the automatic right to be released on bail and must apply for bail before a magistrate or judge, who will then decide whether or not to grant bail based on the specifics of the case.
IPC Section 255 Punishment
The punishment for IPC Section 255 is imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and also with a fine. This reflects the seriousness of the offence, given the potential harm that counterfeiting coins can cause to the economy and public trust.
Example of IPC Section 255
Imagine a scenario where a person named Ravi sets up a clandestine workshop in his home, equipped with machinery and tools for making counterfeit coins. Ravi produces fake coins that closely resemble genuine currency. He then distributes these counterfeit coins to various accomplices, who use them to make purchases at local markets, thereby introducing the fake coins into circulation. Eventually, the authorities catch wind of this operation, and Ravi is arrested. During the investigation, it was revealed that Ravi was the mastermind behind the counterfeiting operation. In this case, Ravi can be prosecuted under IPC Section 255 for the offence of counterfeiting coins.
