Whoever makes any false mark upon any case, package or other receptacle containing goods, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause any public servant or any other person to believe that such receptacle contains goods which it does not contain or that it does not contain goods which it does contain, or that the goods contained in such receptacle are of a nature or quality different from the real nature or quality thereof, 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 three years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 487: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 487 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the offence of making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods. This section specifically targets individuals who cause damage or injury to the public or any person who deceives any person or makes any false mark upon any receptacle (like a container or package) containing goods. This is aimed at preventing the misrepresentation of the contents or quality of the goods through fraudulent marking of their containers.
The provision is designed to protect consumers and other parties from being misled about the goods’ nature, quantity, or quality based on the external marks on their receptacles. It ensures the integrity of product information and prevents economic and health risks associated with misrepresented goods.
Is IPC Section 487 Bailable?
IPC Section 487 is bailable. This status 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 487 Punishment
Under IPC Section 487, the Punishment for making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods is imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, a fine, or both. This penalty is intended to deter individuals from falsifying information about goods, thereby protecting consumer rights and maintaining market integrity.
Example of IPC Section 487
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 487 could involve a supplier marking containers of agricultural produce with false labels indicating organic certification when the produce is not organically grown. Suppose a distributor applies counterfeit organic labels to crates of fruits and vegetables grown with synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. If discovered, this distributor would be prosecuted under IPC Section 487 for making a false mark on the receptacles containing the goods, as this act deceives consumers and undermines the standards of organic certification.
