IPC 276 vs BNS 276
● Retained in BNSCounterfeiting government stamps used in trade
Section 276 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with counterfeiting government stamps used in trade or commercial transactions, including excise, duty, or fiscal stamps. This law is designed to protect government revenue and prevent fraud in commercial dealings.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who makes, forges, or counterfeits government stamps used in trade.
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Knowledge and fraudulent intent are essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: A person produces fake excise stamps for alcoholic beverages to evade taxes. IPC 276 applies, safeguarding government revenue and ensuring authenticity in trade-related documents.
Counterfeiting government stamps used in trade
Section 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 276. It punishes any individual who counterfeits, makes, or attempts to counterfeit government trade stamps with intent to defraud.
Key points:
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Covers manufacture, possession, or distribution of counterfeit trade stamps.
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Requires knowledge and intent to deceive.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine (same as IPC).
Example: A distributor selling fake duty stamps for tobacco products would be liable under BNS 276. This ensures protection of government revenue and integrity of commercial transactions.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 276 to BNS BNS 276.