What is Section 489 IPC? Tampering with Property Mark with Intent to Cause Injury

Published on: Lawiz Team

Learn about Section 489 IPC: Meaning, scope, punishment, examples.

Official Legal Text

Whoever makes, or performs any part of the process of making, any forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note,shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation: A person is said to "make" a forged or counterfeit currency-note or bank-note who makes, or performs any part of the process of making, or who wholly or partially fabricates, or who counterfeits, alters, or in any manner causes to be counterfeited or altered, any currency-note or bank-note with the intent that it may be used as genuine, or that it may be used to deceive any person, whether or not it is capable of deceiving any person.

What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words

Section 489 punishes anyone who tampers with a property mark with the intent to cause injury or loss to another person.

Purpose

To prevent individuals from altering or tampering with property marks to harm others or cause loss.

Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment

Bailable: Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

Key Elements

1. The property mark must be genuine. 2. The accused must tamper with it. 3. The intent must be to cause injury or loss.

Punishment Details

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.

Illustrative Example

If a person alters another's brand logo to degrade its value, they are punishable under Section 489.

Legal Defenses

If the accused can prove that the tampering was authorized or accidental, they may be acquitted.

Related Sections

Related to Section 486 (Selling goods with counterfeit mark) and Section 487 (Making a false mark).

FAQs

What does Section 489 IPC define?

Tampering with currency (Repealed).

How is 'Tampering with currency (Repealed)' interpreted in law?

It is interpreted based on the Indian Penal Code and relevant case law.

Where is Section 489 IPC applicable?

Its application depends on the legal context and the nature of the offence involved.

Can you give a practical example for Section 489?

Examples include real-life cases involving tampering with currency (repealed).

Is Section 489 used along with other IPC sections?

Yes, it is often cited alongside related criminal provisions.

How do courts interpret Section 489 IPC?

Courts interpret it using past judgments and statutory interpretations.

Why is Section 489 significant?

It holds importance in the framework of criminal law.