Bailabel Type : bailable

Description

Section 462 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifies the punishment for the offense of forgery when it is committed by a person who has been entrusted with the custody of a document. This section addresses a more aggravated form of forgery, where the accused is in a position of trust, such as being responsible for the safekeeping of important or official documents.

Description:

Section 462 applies specifically to cases where the forgery is committed by someone who was entrusted with the custody of a document. This person is in a position of trust and responsibility, and their act of forgery becomes more severe due to the breach of trust involved.

1. Entrusted with Custody:

   • The section applies to individuals who have been entrusted with the custody of a document, record, or other valuable materials. This may include situations where someone has been given the responsibility to protect, preserve, or manage certain documents or property, such as:
     • Bank officers handling financial documents.
     • Clerks responsible for legal records.
     • Government employees in charge of public records.

2. Forging the Document:

   • If such a person forges or alters the entrusted document with the intent to deceive or defraud, it is considered an aggravated offense under Section 462. The person may be committing forgery by changing details, creating fake documents, or misusing their position to cause harm.

3. Aggravating Factor:

   • The punishment under Section 462 is more severe because the person is in a position of trust and responsibility, and their misconduct is seen as a breach of this trust.

Punishment

Imprisonment: The offender may face up to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Fine: A fine may also be imposed, or

Both: The court can impose both imprisonment and fine depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense.