IPC 482 vs BNS 482
● Retained in BNSCounterfeiting government stamps, seals, or marks with intent to defraud
Section 482 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with counterfeiting or possessing government stamps, seals, or marks with intent to defraud. This section targets fraudulent acts that compromise governmental authority and public trust in official instruments.
Key points:
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Applies when a person counterfeits, alters, or uses government stamps, seals, or marks knowing them to be false and with intent to defraud.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine, reflecting the seriousness of the offence.
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Protects government revenue, official documentation, and the integrity of administrative processes.
For example, creating fake revenue stamps or seals to conduct unlawful transactions constitutes an offence under IPC 482. This provision ensures strict deterrence against acts that compromise government authority and financial integrity.
Counterfeiting government stamps, seals, or marks with intent to defraud
Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 482, punishing acts where a person counterfeits, possesses, or uses government stamps, seals, or marks with intent to defraud. This provision safeguards public trust, government authority, and administrative integrity.
Key points:
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Covers creation, possession, or use of counterfeit government stamps, seals, or marks for fraudulent purposes.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine, same as IPC.
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Ensures accountability for criminal acts undermining government authority and official documentation.
For instance, forging a departmental seal to approve illegal transactions falls under BNS 482. This aligns with IPC 482 to protect governmental instruments and prevent fraud.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 482 to BNS BNS 482.