IPC 265 vs BNS 265
● Retained in BNSPossession of instruments for counterfeiting postage stamps
Section 265 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the possession of instruments or materials used for counterfeiting government postage stamps. This provision ensures that preparatory acts aimed at postal fraud are criminalized, preventing misuse before actual counterfeiting occurs.
Key points:
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Applies to any person who possesses tools, plates, or instruments for making fake postage stamps.
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Knowledge that the instruments will be used for counterfeiting is essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: If someone is found with printing plates designed for forging postal stamps, IPC 265 applies even if no counterfeit stamps have been produced yet. The law helps prevent fraud at an early stage, safeguarding government postal revenue.
Possession of instruments for counterfeiting postage stamps
Section 265 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 265. It punishes any individual who possesses tools or instruments meant for counterfeiting postage stamps, ensuring preventive measures against postal fraud.
Key points:
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Covers both possession and intended use of counterfeiting tools.
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Knowledge and intent to defraud are required.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: A person storing dies and plates for producing fake postal stamps would fall under BNS 265. This provision ensures protection of the postal system and government revenue.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 265 to BNS BNS 265.