Whoever has in his possession any document or electronic record, knowing the same to be forged, and intending that the same shall fraudulently or dishonestly be used as genuine, shall, if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 466 of this Code, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine; and if the document or electronic record is one of the description mentioned in section 467, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description, for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 474: Simplified Explanation
Section 474 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertains to the offence of having possession of a document described in Section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine. This section targets individuals who possess forged documents, specifically those related to public records or valuable securities, with the knowledge of their forgery and the intent to use them as genuine.
This section is crucial because it addresses the possession and intended use of forged documents that can have significant legal and financial implications. It extends the scope of Punishment to those who, even if they did not create the forged document, are prepared to use such documents to deceive or defraud others.
Is IPC Section 474 Bailable?
IPC Section 474 is non-bailable. This classification indicates that the right to bail is not automatic but is subject to the discretion of the court, which will consider factors such as the nature and severity of the offence, the accused’s past behaviour, and the risk they might pose if granted bail.
IPC Section 474 Punishment
The Punishment for possessing forged documents intending to use them as genuine, under IPC Section 474, is imprisonment for a term that may extend to seven years and liable to a fine. This penalty reflects the potential harm and disruption such actions can cause, especially given the importance of the documents.
Example of IPC Section 474
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 474 could involve a case where an individual possesses forged property deeds. Suppose someone knowingly holds forged deeds purporting to transfer ownership of a valuable piece of real estate and plans to use them to sell the property to an unsuspecting buyer. If this individual is caught with these forged documents and the intent to use them is established, they would be prosecuted under IPC Section 474 due to the serious nature of the offence and the potential financial and legal consequences.
