IPC Section 159
📜 Text of Section 159 IPC (Simplified)
"Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document which he knows or has reason to believe to be a false document shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both."
🔍 Key Elements of Section 159 IPC
Use of a document
The person uses a document in some manner (showing, submitting, producing, etc.).
Document is false
The document used is false — forged, fabricated, or fake.
Knowledge or reason to believe
The person knows or has reason to believe that the document is false.
Fraudulent or dishonest intention
The use is with a fraudulent or dishonest intent — to deceive or cause wrongful gain or loss.
⚖️ Punishment
Imprisonment up to 2 years OR
Fine OR
Both
🧠 Purpose of Section 159
To penalize using forged or fake documents as if they were genuine.
To protect the integrity of documents in legal, commercial, or official matters.
To prevent fraud and deception using false documents.
📝 Illustration
A person submits a fake educational certificate to get a job.
Someone produces a forged property deed to claim ownership.
Using a counterfeit bill to deceive a seller.
In such cases, the person can be charged under Section 159 IPC.
🔗 Related Sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Section 463 IPC | Forgery |
| Section 464 IPC | Making a false document |
| Section 465 IPC | Punishment for forgery |
| Section 471 IPC | Using as genuine a forged document |
| Section 420 IPC | Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property |
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Offense | Fraudulent use of a false document as if genuine |
| Mens Rea | Knowledge or reason to believe the document is false; fraudulent intent |
| Punishment | Up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both |
| Objective | Protect against deception using false documents |
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