Whoever uses any false property mark shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 482: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 482 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offence of possessing an instrument or material with the intent to use it as a counterfeit mark. This section targets individuals who, without lawful authority, possess any instrument or material with the intent to create counterfeit marks that resemble or purport to be a mark used by a public servant to authenticate documents.
This provision aims to curb the creation and dissemination of counterfeit marks even before they are used in forgery. By penalising the possession of tools and materials for making such marks, the law aims to prevent the potential misuse of these tools in creating deceptive documents or impersonating official authorisations.
Is IPC Section 482 Bailable?
IPC Section 482 is bailable. This means that the accused has the right to be released on bail, usually upon furnishing a bond or surety as determined by the police or court, depending on the case’s specifics.
IPC Section 482 Punishment
The Punishment for possessing an instrument or material to use it as a counterfeit mark under IPC Section 482 is imprisonment for a term extending to two years, with a fine, or with both. This penalty is designed to deter individuals from preparing to create counterfeit marks and to maintain trust in official processes.
Example of IPC Section 482
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 482 could involve a scenario where an individual is found with a collection of printing plates and inks designed to replicate government certification marks. Suppose law enforcement discovers a workshop with these materials, and it is evident that the individual intended to produce counterfeit marks to be used on various products for sale. This person would be prosecuted under IPC Section 482 for possessing the tools and materials intended for creating counterfeit marks, addressing the risk before any actual forgery or deception occurs.
