What is Section 477 IPC? Fraudulent Cancellation, Destruction, etc., of Will, Authority to Adopt, or Valuable Security
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 477 IPC: Meaning, scope, punishment, examples.
Official Legal Text
Whoever fraudulently destroys, cancels or otherwise alters any valuable security or any document which is or purports to be a valuable security, 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 477 punishes anyone who fraudulently or dishonestly cancels, destroys, or alters a will, authority to adopt, or any valuable security.
Purpose
To protect important documents like wills, authorities to adopt, and valuable securities from being destroyed, altered, or cancelled fraudulently.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine.
Key Elements
1. The document must be a will, authority to adopt, or valuable security. 2. It must be cancelled, destroyed, or altered. 3. The act must be done dishonestly or fraudulently.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and a fine.
Illustrative Example
If a person destroys a will to prevent the rightful heir from receiving the property, they are punishable under Section 477.
Legal Defenses
If the accused can prove that they had the rightful authority to cancel or alter the document, they may be acquitted.
Related Sections
Related to Section 466 (Forgery of public document) and Section 471 (Using forged document as genuine).
Important Note
This section is specifically for fraudulent actions involving wills, adoption authority, or valuable security.
FAQs
What does Section 477 IPC define?
Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of document.
How is 'Fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of document' interpreted in law?
It is interpreted based on the Indian Penal Code and relevant case law.
Where is Section 477 IPC applicable?
Its application depends on the legal context and the nature of the offence involved.
Can you give a practical example for Section 477?
Examples include real-life cases involving fraudulent cancellation, destruction, etc., of document.
Is Section 477 used along with other IPC sections?
Yes, it is often cited alongside related criminal provisions.
How do courts interpret Section 477 IPC?
Courts interpret it using past judgments and statutory interpretations.
Why is Section 477 significant?
It holds importance in the framework of criminal law.