IPC 277 vs BNS 277
● Retained in BNSPossession of counterfeit government stamps used in trade
Section 277 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the possession of counterfeit government stamps used in trade or commercial transactions. This provision ensures that individuals holding forged stamps with the intent to defraud or facilitate fraud are penalized.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who possesses counterfeit trade or excise stamps with knowledge or reasonable belief of their falsity.
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Knowledge and intent to defraud are essential.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
Example: A shopkeeper stores fake excise stamps to apply them on liquor bottles for tax evasion. IPC 277 applies, protecting government revenue and the integrity of commercial documentation.
Possession of counterfeit government stamps used in trade
Section 277 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 277. It punishes any individual who possesses counterfeit government stamps used in trade with knowledge or reasonable belief of their falsity and intent to defraud.
Key points:
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Covers hoarding, storing, or possession of counterfeit trade 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 distributor holding fake excise stamps to sell alongside products would be liable under BNS 277. This ensures protection of government revenue and integrity in 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 277 to BNS BNS 277.