IPC 256 vs BNS 256
● Retained in BNSHaving possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp
Section 256 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of possessing instruments or materials intended for counterfeiting government stamps. This provision criminalizes not only the act of counterfeiting but also the preparation or facilitation of the crime by keeping tools, dies, plates, or other materials that can be used for such forgery.
Key aspects:
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Applies to any person who possesses instruments or materials used for counterfeiting.
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Requires intent or knowledge that such items will be used for making counterfeit stamps.
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Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Example: If a person is caught with printing plates specifically designed to forge revenue stamps, IPC 256 treats it as a serious offence, even if no counterfeit stamp has yet been produced. This ensures early prevention of stamp forgery.
Having possession of instrument or material for counterfeiting Government stamp
Section 256 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 256. It punishes individuals who possess tools, instruments, or materials meant for counterfeiting government stamps, ensuring that preparatory acts themselves are criminalized to prevent large-scale fraud against the state.
Key aspects:
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Covers both direct counterfeiters and those supplying tools.
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Intention or knowledge of their use for stamp forgery is necessary.
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Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Example: A person found storing ink and plates designed exclusively for making fake judicial stamps falls under BNS 256. This law safeguards government revenue systems and public confidence in official documents.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 256 to BNS BNS 256.