What is Section 466 IPC? Forgery of Record of Court or of Public Register, etc.
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 466 IPC: Meaning, scope, punishment, examples.
Official Legal Text
Whoever forges a document purporting to be a record or proceeding of a Court of Justice, or a register of birth, marriage or burial, or any register kept by a public servant, or any certificate directed by law to be given by a public servant, or any authority to institute or defend a suit, or to take any proceedings therein, or to confess judgment, or a power of attorney, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 466 punishes anyone who forges a document that is part of a court record, a public register, or any public document that is meant for legal purposes.
Purpose
To protect the integrity of official documents and records that are used for legal purposes.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Key Elements
1. The document must be part of a court record, public register, or other legal document. 2. It must be forged, meaning it is false or altered dishonestly. 3. The intent must be to deceive or cause harm.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and a fine.
Illustrative Example
If a person alters a court judgment to change its outcome, they are punishable under Section 466.
Legal Defenses
If the accused can prove that the document was altered with proper authority, they may be acquitted.
Related Sections
Related to Section 463 (Forgery) and Section 467 (Forgery of valuable security).
Important Note
This section applies specifically to documents used in courts, public registers, or other official purposes.
FAQs
What does Section 466 IPC define?
Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc..
How is 'Forgery of record of Court or of public register, etc.' interpreted in law?
It is interpreted based on the Indian Penal Code and relevant case law.
Where is Section 466 IPC applicable?
Its application depends on the legal context and the nature of the offence involved.
Can you give a practical example for Section 466?
Examples include real-life cases involving forgery of record of court or of public register, etc..
Is Section 466 used along with other IPC sections?
Yes, it is often cited alongside related criminal provisions.
How do courts interpret Section 466 IPC?
Courts interpret it using past judgments and statutory interpretations.
Why is Section 466 significant?
It holds importance in the framework of criminal law.