Whoever removes, destroys, defaces or adds to any property mark, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause injury to any person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 489: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 489 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses the offence of tampering with property marks with the intent to cause injury. This section specifically targets individuals who remove, destroy, or alter any property mark with the intention of causing damage or injury to the public or any person or with the intention of causing a wrongful gain or preventing someone from exercising their legal rights.
The purpose of this provision is to protect property rights and the integrity of property marks used to identify the ownership or origin of goods. It ensures that no one can unlawfully alter or tamper with these marks to deceive or harm others.
Is IPC Section 489 Bailable?
IPC Section 489 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, based on the case’s specifics.
IPC Section 489 Punishment
Under IPC Section 489, the Punishment for tampering with property marks is imprisonment for a term extending to one year, a fine, or both. This penalty is designed to deter individuals from altering or destroying property marks, thereby upholding fairness and transparency in property transactions and ownership.
Example of IPC Section 489
A real-life example of an offence under IPC Section 489 could involve an individual removing or altering the identification tags on livestock to claim ownership over animals that do not belong to them. Suppose a person changes the ear tags on a neighbour’s cattle to mislead others and assert ownership, thereby selling the cattle as their own. If this deceptive act is discovered, the individual would be prosecuted under IPC Section 489 for tampering with property marks, addressing the violation of property rights and protecting the rightful owner’s interests.
