BNS Section 182 – Making or using documents resembling currency-notes or bank-notes

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section – 489 E

Making or Using Documents Resembling Currency-Notes or Bank-Notes

1. What is the Offence?

This law penalizes the act of making, using, or delivering any document that resembles or imitates a currency-note or bank-note in a way that could deceive people.

2. Key Elements of the Offence

a. Making or Using Fake-Looking Documents (Section 1)

• The document must resemble a currency-note or bank-note closely enough to deceive.
• The offence is committed even if no one is actually deceived; the potential to deceive is sufficient.
• Punishment: Fine up to ₹300.

b. Refusal to Disclose Maker’s Information (Section 2)

• If a person’s name appears on such a document and they refuse to disclose the name and address of the maker when asked by a police officer, they can be fined up to ₹600.

c. Presumption of Guilt (Section 3)

• If a person’s name appears on the document, it is presumed that they caused the document to be made, unless they can prove otherwise.

3. Purpose of the Law

• To prevent fraudulent activities by penalizing the creation and distribution of documents that could be mistaken for real currency.
• To protect the integrity of actual currency and prevent deceptive practices.

Summary of the Offence

4. Examples of Offences

• Making a document that looks like a currency note for advertising or promotion purposes.
• Using such a document to deceive someone into thinking it is real money.
• Delivering a fake-looking document resembling a bank-note to another person.

5. Key Points