Whoever forges a document or electronic record, purporting to be a record or proceeding of or in a Court of Justice, or a register of birth, baptism, marriage or burial, or a register kept by a public servant as such, or a certificate or document or electronic record purporting to be made by a public servant in his official capacity, or an authority to institute or defend a suit, or to take any proceedings therein, or to confess judgment, or a power of attorney, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 466: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 466 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of forgery of a record, register, or document of public importance. This section specifically targets forgery involving documents with significant public or legal value. It includes records or documents a public servant keeps in their official capacity, registers of birth, baptism, marriage, death, or any electronic record that would affect the public or be used for public purposes.
The severity of this offence is due to the potential widespread impact and the undermining of public trust that such forgeries can cause. The falsification of such documents can lead to incorrect legal decisions, improper distribution of resources, or even wrongful criminal charges.
Is IPC Section 466 Bailable?
IPC Section 466 is non-bailable. This designation indicates that bail is not a right but a privilege that the court may or may not grant based on various factors, such as the gravity of the offence, the potential threat to society, and the likelihood of the accused fleeing.
IPC Section 466 Punishment
The Punishment for the offence of forgery of records of public importance under IPC Section 466 is imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and also liable to a fine. This reflects the serious nature of the offence, given its potential to disrupt public order and trust.
Example of IPC Section 466
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 466 could involve a case where an individual forges a death certificate. For instance, someone might create a false death certificate to claim insurance money or to avoid legal obligations. This act not only defrauds insurance companies or other entities but also undermines the integrity of public records. If discovered, the individual would face the legal consequences outlined in IPC Section 466 due to the critical nature of the falsified document.
