Section 473 IPC: Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 473 IPC at a Glance
Section 473 IPC deals with making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 341(2) BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.
Section 473 IPC Bare Act Text
473. Making or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable otherwise
Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be used for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under any section of this Chapter other than section 467, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Source: Section 473, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 473 IPC in Simple Words
Section 473 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes making, counterfeiting or possessing any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that it shall be used for committing any forgery punishable under any section of the Chapter on forgery other than Section 467 IPC. Where the charge is possession, the prosecution must establish that the accused possessed the instrument knowing it to be counterfeit.
The punishment under Section 473 IPC is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine. Where the intended forgery is punishable under Section 467 IPC, the graver offence in Section 472 IPC applies instead.
Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, an offence under Section 473 IPC is cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by a Magistrate of the first class. The offence is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.
Ingredients of Section 473 IPC
- The accused made or counterfeited a seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, or possessed such an instrument knowing it to be counterfeit
- The accused acted with the intention that the instrument should be used for committing a forgery punishable under a section of the Chapter other than Section 467 IPC
Punishment Under Section 473 IPC
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.
The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.
Section 473 IPC is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.
Example of Section 473 IPC
When Section 473 IPC Does Not Apply
- A person makes or holds an authentic seal or impression tool under lawful authority rather than a counterfeit instrument.
- Someone holds a counterfeit impression plate without knowing that it is fake or without any intention to use it for committing forgery.
- The counterfeit seal or plate is made or held with the intention of forging a will, valuable security, or other document covered by Section 467 IPC, as that conduct is governed by Section 472 IPC instead of Section 473 IPC.
- A person commits a forgery purely by handwriting or digital manipulation without making, counterfeiting, or possessing any seal, plate, or instrument for making an impression.
Section 473 IPC in the BNS
Section 473 IPC is now covered under Section 341(2) BNS.
Section 473 IPC corresponds to Section 341(2) BNS. The wording and the prescribed punishment of imprisonment of either description for up to seven years and liability to fine remain unchanged, with Section 338 BNS cited in place of Section 467 IPC. Section 341(2) BNS also introduces two new offences without direct IPC counterparts: Section 341(3) BNS penalizes simple possession of a counterfeit seal, plate or instrument knowing it to be counterfeit with imprisonment up to three years and liability to fine, and Section 341(4) BNS penalizes fraudulently or dishonestly using such an instrument as genuine.
View detailed comparison (IPC 473 vs BNS 341(2)) →FAQs on Section 473 IPC
What punishment does Section 473 IPC prescribe?▼
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and the offender is also liable to fine.
Is Section 473 IPC bailable?▼
Yes. The First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lists Section 473 IPC as bailable, so the accused is entitled to bail as of right. It is cognizable and triable by a Magistrate of the first class.
What are the essential ingredients of Section 473 IPC?▼
The prosecution must prove that the accused made or counterfeited an impression instrument, or possessed it knowing it to be counterfeit, and that the accused intended it to be used to commit a forgery punishable under a section of the Chapter other than Section 467 IPC.
Must a forgery actually have been executed for Section 473 IPC to apply?▼
No. The offence is complete when the seal, plate or instrument is made, counterfeited or possessed with the requisite intent. The prosecution is not required to show that any document was actually forged.
How does Section 473 IPC differ from Section 472 IPC?▼
Section 472 IPC applies where the counterfeit seal is intended to commit a forgery of a valuable security or will under Section 467 IPC, carrying up to imprisonment for life. Section 473 IPC applies to counterfeit seals intended for any other forgery, carrying imprisonment up to seven years and liability to fine.
Have questions about Section 473 IPC?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.
Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·