IPC 487 - Fraudulently marking a false mark upon any package or receptacle containing goods, with intent to cause it to be believed that it contains goods which it does not contain, etc.
Description of IPC 487
Description of IPC Section 487
According to section 487 of Indian penal code, Whoever makes any false mark upon any case, package or other receptacle containing goods, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause any public servant or any other person to believe that such receptacle contains goods which it does not contain or that it does not contain goods which it does contain, or that the goods contained in such receptacle are of a nature or quality different from the real nature or quality thereof, shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
IPC 487
| Offence | Fraudulently marking a false mark upon any package or receptacle containing goods, with intent to cause it to be believed that it contains goods which it does not contain, etc. |
| Punishment | 3 Years or Fine or Both |
| Cognizance | Cognizable |
| Bail | Bailable |
| Triable | Magistrate Court |
Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
IPC 487 in Simple Words
If someone puts a false mark on a package in a way that could deceive a public servant or any person about the contents or quality of the goods inside, and they cannot prove they did it without intent to defraud, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
Importance and Practical application
Focuses on deceptive marking on packages that misrepresents the contents or quality.
Practical application:
Imagine a scenario where a food manufacturer labels their product as 100% Organic while using non-organic ingredients. This false marking is intended to attract health-conscious consumers and increase sales by misleading them about the product's true quality. If authorities investigate and find that the manufacturer has intentionally misrepresented the contents, they can charge the company under IPC Section 487 for making a false mark on a package. The manufacturer would face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both, unless they can prove they did not intend to defraud consumers. This enforcement helps maintain integrity in labeling and protects consumers from being misled.Conclusion
IPC Section 487 addresses the act of falsely marking packages to mislead consumers regarding the contents or quality of a product. This provision emphasizes accountability and consumer protection, making it an offense to deceive the public about what they are purchasing.