Section Overview
Section Number:
IPC Section 247
Section Title:
Counterfeiting Government Stamp or Mark Used for Coining
Act:
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Status:
Active under IPC framework; similar protections continue under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 relating to currency integrity and official government authentication marks.
Applicability:
IPC Section 247 applies when:
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A person counterfeits any government stamp, mark, or symbol used in minting coins;
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The mark is used for authentication of coin production;
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The act is done knowingly or with fraudulent intent;
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The counterfeit mark is intended to deceive or facilitate illegal coin-related activity.
This section focuses on protecting authenticity marks used in currency production.
Section Explanation
Simple Explanation (Plain English/Hinglish)
IPC Section 247 ka simple matlab hai ki agar koi vyakti government ke mint mark ya stamp ko nakli banata hai ya uska galat use karta hai, to woh crime karta hai.
Simple words mein:
"Coin banane ke official government marks ko fake banana ya misuse karna crime hai."
Yeh section ensure karta hai ki sirf authentic coins hi market mein aaye.
Legal Definition (Original Law Text)
The essence of IPC Section 247 is:
Whoever counterfeits any mark, stamp, or symbol used by the Government for the purpose of coining commits an offence.
Practical Interpretation
For conviction under Section 247, prosecution generally needs to prove:
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A government mark or symbol was used in coining.
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The accused created or used a counterfeit version of it.
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The act was intentional and fraudulent.
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The counterfeit mark was intended to deceive or facilitate illegal coin activity.
Actual circulation of counterfeit coins is not necessary.
Why IPC Section 247 Was Introduced?
Mint authentication marks ensure:
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Coins are officially produced;
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Quality and authenticity are verified;
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Counterfeiting is prevented;
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Public trust is maintained.
If these marks are counterfeited:
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Fake coins can be easily legitimized;
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Detection becomes difficult;
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Economic fraud increases;
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Government authority is undermined.
Importance of Mint Authentication Marks
These marks are critical because they:
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Identify official mint origin;
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Prevent duplication;
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Assist law enforcement in tracking counterfeit sources.
Difference Between Sections 244–246 and 247
Section 244
Deals with altering coin weight or composition.
Section 245
Deals with removal of coining instruments.
Section 246
Deals with fraudulent removal or destruction of coining instruments.
Section 247
Deals with counterfeiting official mint marks or stamps.
Thus:
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244–246 = physical coin and mint tools.
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247 = authentication symbols and marks.
Punishment & Legal Classification
Punishment
IPC Section 247 provides:
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Imprisonment up to 7 years; AND
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Fine.
Punishment reflects seriousness of compromising mint authentication systems.
Bailable / Non-Bailable
Generally Non-Bailable
Cognizable / Non-Cognizable
Cognizable
Compoundable
Non-Compoundable
Triable By
Magistrate of First Class / Court of Session depending on case gravity.
IPC ↔ BNS Mapping
IPC Section
IPC Section 247
BNS Equivalent
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes provisions related to:
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Counterfeit currency;
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Fraudulent government marks;
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Economic offences involving authentication systems.
Status
IPC repealed and replaced by BNS, but principle remains intact.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Fake Mint Stamp
A person creates fake mint authentication marks to pass counterfeit coins as genuine.
Section 247 applies.
Example 2: Fraudulent Coin Certification
An accused uses forged government symbols to validate fake coins.
This attracts liability.
Example 3: Organized Counterfeiting Operation
A syndicate reproduces mint marks to support large-scale counterfeit coin production.
Section 247 becomes applicable.
Landmark Judgments
Case Name:
State of Maharashtra v. Mayer Hans George
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Fraud affecting currency systems is treated as a serious economic offence.
Case Name:
R.K. Dalmia v. Delhi Administration
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Misuse of government systems and symbols has wide criminal implications.
Case Name:
Mobarik Ali Ahmed v. State of Bombay
Court:
Supreme Court of India
Key Takeaway:
Intentional fraud involving public systems attracts strict liability.
Legal Insights
When Is This Section Applied?
Section 247 becomes relevant when:
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Mint marks are forged;
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Government authentication symbols are misused;
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Counterfeit coin operations rely on fake stamps;
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Investigations uncover forged mint identifiers.
Common Misuse Scenarios
Artistic Replication
Non-fraudulent reproduction may be mistaken as offence.
Lack of Intent
No fraudulent intention exists.
Misclassification of Marks
Symbols not actually used in official minting may be involved.
False Allegations
Accused wrongly linked to counterfeit marking activity.
Defenses Available
No Fraudulent Intent
The act was not intended to deceive.
No Government Mark Involved
The symbol was not officially used for coining.
Lack of Usage
No actual use in counterfeit activity.
Mistaken Identity
Wrong attribution of involvement.