IPC Section 476: Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents other than those described in section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 18: Offences relating to Documents and Property Marks
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶Whoever counterfeits upon, or in the substance of, any material, any device or mark used for the purpose of authenticating 1[any document or electronic record] other than the documents described in section 467 of this Code, 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.
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¶1. Subs. by Act 21 of 2000, s. 91 and the First Sch., for “any document” (w.e.f. 17-10-2000).
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 342(2) (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p22
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 463. Forgery
- 464. Making a false document
- 465. Punishment for forgery
- 466. Forgery of record of court or of public register, etc
- 467. Forgery of valuable security, will, etc
- 468. Forgery for purpose of cheating
- 469. Forgery for purpose of harming reputation
- 470. Forged document or electronic record
- 471. Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record
- 472. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467
- 473. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise
- 474. Having possession of document described in Section 466 or 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine
- 475. Counterfeiting device or mark used for authenticating documents described in Section 467, or possessing counterfeit marked material
- 477. Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of will, authority to adopt, or valuable security
- 477A. Falsification of accounts
- 478. Trade marks
- 479. Property mark
- 480. Using a false trade mark
- 481. Using a false property mark
- 482. Punishment for using a false property mark
- 483. Counterfeiting a property mark used by another
- 484. Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant
- 485. Making or possession of any instrument for counterfeiting a property mark
- 486. Selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark
- 487. Making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods
- 488. Punishment for making use of any such false mark
- 489. Tampering with property mark with intent to cause injury
- 489A. Counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489B. Using as genuine, forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489C. Possession of forged or counterfeit currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489D. Making or possessing instruments or materials for forgoing or counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes
- 489E. Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes