Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in section 338, or possessing counterfeit marked material
Chapter 18: Offences relating to documents and property marks
(1) Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating any document described in section 338, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who, with such intent, has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating any document or electronic record other than the documents described in section 338, intending that such device or mark shall be used for the purpose of giving the appearance of authenticity to any document then forged or thereafter to be forged on such material, or who with such intent, has in his possession any material upon or in the substance of which any such device or mark has been counterfeited, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023). As printed in the Gazette on 25 December 2023. Later amendments, if any, are not included.
Related sections
- 339Having possession of document described in section 337 or section 338, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuineIPC 474
- 340Forged document or electronic record and using it as genuineIPC 470, 471
- 341Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 338IPC 472, 473
- 343Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable securityIPC 477
- 344Falsification of accountsIPC 477A
- 345Property markIPC 479, 481