IPC 268 vs BNS 268
● Retained in BNSPossession of counterfeit postage stamps
Section 268 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the possession of counterfeit government postage stamps. It penalizes any person who, knowing or having reason to believe that the stamps are counterfeit, keeps them with intent to use, sell, or distribute.
Key points:
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Applies to possession of fake stamps for fraudulent purposes.
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Knowledge or reasonable belief that the stamps are counterfeit is essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: If someone hoards counterfeit postage stamps to sell them later or use them for sending letters without paying fees, IPC 268 applies. This law ensures that preparatory acts leading to postal fraud are criminalized, preventing misuse before actual circulation.
Possession of counterfeit postage stamps
Section 268 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 268. It punishes individuals who possess counterfeit government postage stamps with knowledge or reasonable belief that they are fake and intend to use or distribute them fraudulently.
Key points:
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Covers hoarding or storing fake postage stamps.
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Requires knowledge and fraudulent intent.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (same as IPC).
Example: A person found with bundles of fake postal stamps ready for sale would be liable under BNS 268. This provision protects postal revenue and prevents circulation of counterfeit stamps.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 268 to BNS BNS 268.