IPC 255 vs BNS 255
● Retained in BNSCounterfeiting Government stamp
Section 255 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of counterfeiting government stamps. Government stamps are used in revenue collection, legal documents, and official transactions, making their authenticity crucial for governance and public trust. This section criminalizes the creation, forgery, or imitation of such stamps with intent to use them fraudulently.
Key aspects:
-
Offence applies to any person counterfeiting or making an attempt to counterfeit government stamps.
-
It includes both manufacturing and possession of instruments used for counterfeiting.
-
Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Example: A person producing fake court fee stamps to be used in legal proceedings falls under IPC 255. This law is essential to protect government revenue systems and legal credibility.
Counterfeiting Government stamp
Section 255 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, carries forward the same provision as IPC 255. It punishes any individual who counterfeits, attempts to counterfeit, or knowingly aids in counterfeiting government stamps, thereby protecting public revenue and the integrity of official transactions.
Key aspects:
-
Applicable to all individuals engaging in counterfeiting activities.
-
Includes both direct counterfeiting and abetment.
-
Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Example: A group manufacturing counterfeit revenue stamps for fraudulent property registration is punishable under BNS 255. This ensures strong deterrence against tampering with official instruments of governance.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 255 to BNS BNS 255.