What is Section 464 IPC? Making a False Document
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 464 IPC: Meaning, scope, punishment, examples.
Official Legal Text
A person is said to make a false document or false electronic record—
First—Who dishonestly or fraudulently makes, signs, seals, or executes a document or part of a document, or makes any mark denoting the execution of a document, with the intention of causing it to be believed that such document or part of a document was made, signed, sealed, or executed by or by the authority of a person by whom or by whose authority he knows that it was not made, signed, sealed, or executed; or
Secondly—Who, without lawful authority, dishonestly or fraudulently, by cancellation or otherwise, alters a document in any material part thereof, after it has been made or executed either by himself or by any other person, whether such person be living or dead at the time of such alteration; or
Thirdly—Who dishonestly or fraudulently causes any person to sign, seal, execute, or alter a document, knowing that such person by reason of unsoundness of mind or intoxication cannot, or that by reason of deception practiced upon him, he does not know the contents of the document or the nature of the alteration.
Explanation 1: A person is said to make a false document or false electronic record who causes any electronic record to be made, signed, sealed, or executed, or causes any electronic record to be altered dishonestly or fraudulently.
Explanation 2: A false document or false electronic record made wholly or in part in the name of a fictitious person, or in the name of a deceased person, is a false document or false electronic record for the purposes of this section.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 464 defines making a false document as creating, altering, or signing a document dishonestly with the intention to deceive or harm another person.
Purpose
To protect individuals and organizations from being deceived or cheated through the use of false documents.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Not Applicable, Punishment: Not Applicable (This section defines 'Making a False Document').
Key Elements
1. The document must be created, altered, or signed falsely. 2. It must be done dishonestly or fraudulently. 3. The intent must be to cause damage, injury, or deception.
Illustrative Example
If a person forges another person's signature on a cheque to withdraw money, it is making a false document under Section 464.
Legal Defenses
If the accused can prove that the document was genuine or signed with authorization, they may be acquitted.
Related Sections
Related to Section 463 (Forgery) and Section 465 (Punishment for forgery).
Important Note
A false document can be created by making, altering, or signing without authority.
FAQs
What does Section 464 IPC define?
Making a false document.
How is 'Making a false document' interpreted in law?
It is interpreted based on the Indian Penal Code and relevant case law.
Where is Section 464 IPC applicable?
Its application depends on the legal context and the nature of the offence involved.
Can you give a practical example for Section 464?
Examples include real-life cases involving making a false document.
Is Section 464 used along with other IPC sections?
Yes, it is often cited alongside related criminal provisions.
How do courts interpret Section 464 IPC?
Courts interpret it using past judgments and statutory interpretations.
Why is Section 464 significant?
It holds importance in the framework of criminal law.