Section 484 IPC: Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 484 IPC at a Glance

Section 484 IPC deals with counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 347(2) BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 347(2) →

Section 484 IPC Bare Act Text

484. Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant

Whoever counterfeits any property mark used by a public servant, or any mark used by a public servant to denote that any property has been manufactured by a particular person or at a particular time or place, or that the property is of a particular quality or has passed through a particular office, or that it is entitled to any exemption, or uses as genuine any such mark knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Section 484, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 484 IPC in Simple Words

Section 484 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes counterfeiting a property mark used by a public servant, or any mark used by a public servant to denote that property has been manufactured by a particular person or at a particular time or place, is of a particular quality, has passed through a particular office, or is entitled to any exemption. It also punishes using as genuine any such mark knowing it to be counterfeit.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine. The offence is non-cognizable and bailable, triable by a Magistrate of the first class, and not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

Ingredients of Section 484 IPC

  • A property mark was used by a public servant, or a mark was used by a public servant to denote that property has been manufactured by a particular person or at a particular time or place, or is of a particular quality, or has passed through a particular office, or is entitled to any exemption
  • The accused counterfeited that mark, or used that mark as genuine
  • Where the accused used the mark as genuine, he knew the same to be counterfeit

Punishment Under Section 484 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years.

Fine

The offender is also liable to fine. The statute does not prescribe a mandatory fine or fix a maximum amount.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Counterfeiting a mark used by a public servant, or using such a mark knowing it to be counterfeit, carries imprisonment of either description for up to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

Example of Section 484 IPC

In 2016, in Shimla, Vikram forged an iron hammer bearing a counterfeit of the official mark used by a state forest officer, a public servant, to denote that felled cedar logs had been harvested at an approved site, were of certified quality, had passed through the forest range office, and were entitled to transit toll exemption. Rohini, a timber dealer who knew that Vikram's hammer mark was counterfeit, presented logs bearing that mark as genuine at a highway barrier. Vikram counterfeited a mark used by a public servant and Rohini used it as genuine knowing it to be counterfeit. Both are punishable under Section 484 IPC.

When Section 484 IPC Does Not Apply

  • The imitated mark belongs to a private trader or company and is not a mark used by a public servant.
  • A person uses a mark bearing a counterfeit official seal as genuine without knowing that the mark is counterfeit.
  • The official mark on the property is authentic and was affixed by a duly authorised public servant.
  • A resemblance to an official mark occurs without any intention to deceive or knowledge that deception is likely.

Section 484 IPC in the BNS

Section 484 IPC is now covered under Section 347(2) BNS.

Section 484 IPC corresponds to Section 347(2) BNS, with identical text and the same punishment. In the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 483 IPC and Section 484 IPC are enacted as Section 347(1) BNS and Section 347(2) BNS.

View detailed comparison (IPC 484 vs BNS 347(2)) →

FAQs on Section 484 IPC

What does Section 484 IPC punish?▼

Section 484 IPC punishes counterfeiting any property mark or official certification mark used by a public servant, or using such a mark as genuine knowing it to be counterfeit.

What is the punishment prescribed under Section 484 IPC?▼

The court may award imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and the offender is also liable to fine.

What marks are covered under Section 484 IPC?▼

Marks used by a public servant to denote property ownership, manufacture by a particular person, time or place of manufacture, quality, passage through a particular office, or entitlement to exemption.

Is Section 484 IPC bailable and cognizable?▼

Section 484 IPC is bailable and non-cognizable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Which court tries an offence under Section 484 IPC?▼

The offence is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Can an offence under Section 484 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 484 IPC is not listed in Section 320 CrPC and cannot be compounded.

Where is Section 484 IPC placed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

It is placed in Section 347(2) BNS, in Chapter XVIII, Of Offences Relating to Documents and to Property Marks.

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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 ·