Whoever counterfeits any property mark used by a public servant, or any mark used by a public servant to denote that any property has been manufactured by a particular person or at a particular time or place, or that the property is of a particular quality or has passed through a particular office, or that it is entitled to any exemption, or uses as genuine any such mark knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 484: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 484 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the offence of counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant. This section is specifically aimed at individuals who counterfeit any mark that a public servant uses to execute their official duties to authenticate documents, reports, or other items. The section seeks to prevent the creation and use of fake official marks that could mislead others into believing that certain documents or actions have official endorsement or approval.
This provision is crucial for maintaining the trust in and integrity of the processes carried out by public servants, ensuring that the public and other officials can rely on the authenticity of the marks and the documents they authenticate.
Is IPC Section 484 Bailable?
IPC Section 484 is bailable. This means that the accused has the right to be released on bail, usually upon providing a bond or surety as determined by the police or court, depending on the circumstances of the case.
IPC Section 484 Punishment
The Punishment for counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant under IPC Section 484 is imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or with a fine, or with both. This penalty reflects the need to deter individuals from undermining the authority and reliability of official marks used by public servants.
Example of IPC Section 484
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 484 could involve an individual creating counterfeit inspection marks used by public health inspectors. Suppose someone manufactures and sells fake inspection marks typically used by health inspectors to certify the safety and hygiene of restaurants and food establishments. If these counterfeit marks are used by businesses to falsely indicate that they have passed official health inspections, the person responsible for creating these marks would be prosecuted under IPC Section 484. This action addresses the risk to public health and the deceit of misleading consumers about the safety of the establishments they patronise.
