Whoever marks any movable property or goods or any case, package or other receptacle containing movable property or goods, or uses any case, package or other receptacle having any mark thereon, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause it to be believed that the property or goods so marked, or any property or goods contained in any such receptacle so marked, belong to a person to whom they do not belong, is said to use a false property mark.
IPC Section 481: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 481 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the offence of using a counterfeit mark by a person other than a public servant. This section specifically targets individuals who knowingly use any counterfeit mark resembling or purporting to be a mark used by a public servant to authenticate documents where the duties of a public servant do not require such authentication. Essentially, it is about using fake official marks to mislead others into believing that a public official has verified or authorised a document.
This section aims to protect the integrity of official marks and prevent their misuse in creating fraudulent documents or impersonating official authorisations by non-public servants. It ensures that the public can trust the authenticity of marks and prevents the spread of misinformation through forged official symbols.
Is IPC Section 481 Bailable?
IPC Section 481 is bailable. This status means that the accused has the right to be released on bail, typically upon furnishing a bond or surety as determined by the police or court, depending on the circumstances of the case.
IPC Section 481 Punishment
Under IPC Section 481, the Punishment for using a counterfeit mark by a person other than a public servant is imprisonment for a term extending to two years, a fine, or both. This penalty reflects the need to deter the misuse of counterfeit marks and uphold the credibility of official processes.
Example of IPC Section 481
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 481 could involve an individual using counterfeit certification marks to sell products. Suppose someone manufactures fake quality assurance marks that resemble those used by a government quality control agency and applies them to substandard products to mislead consumers into thinking these are officially approved. This would constitute an offence under IPC Section 481, as it involves using counterfeit marks to impersonate the authorisation of public servants, misleading consumers, and potentially endangering their safety with unverified products.
