Section 489D of IPC : Section 489D: Making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting currency-notes or bank-notes

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi, a resident of Mumbai, is found in possession of a sophisticated printing machine and special paper that closely resembles the paper used for printing Indian currency notes. During the investigation, it is revealed that Ravi had purchased these materials with the intention of producing fake ₹500 and ₹2000 notes. Even though Ravi had not yet started printing the counterfeit notes, his possession of the machinery and materials with the intent to forge currency notes makes him liable under Section 489D of the Indian Penal Code. Ravi could face imprisonment for life or a term extending up to ten years, along with a fine.

Example 2:

Priya, a graphic designer in Delhi, is approached by a gang involved in counterfeiting currency. They offer her a large sum of money to design and print fake ₹100 notes using her professional-grade printer and design software. Priya agrees and starts working on the project. Before she can complete the task, the police raid her office and seize the printer, design software, and partially completed fake notes. Priya's involvement in the process of making counterfeit currency notes, even though she had not yet finished, makes her culpable under Section 489D. She could be sentenced to life imprisonment or a term up to ten years, and she may also be fined.

Example 3:

Ajay, a shop owner in Bangalore, unknowingly buys a batch of special ink and paper from an online seller, which are typically used for printing currency notes. Later, he discovers that these materials are intended for counterfeiting purposes. Instead of reporting this to the authorities, Ajay decides to sell the materials to another person who he knows is involved in making fake currency. Ajay's act of selling materials knowing they are meant for counterfeiting makes him liable under Section 489D. He could face life imprisonment or a term up to ten years, along with a fine.

Example 4:

Sunil, a college student in Hyderabad, finds a set of plates and dies used for printing fake ₹200 notes in an abandoned warehouse. Instead of informing the police, he decides to keep them, thinking he might use them in the future to make some quick money. Sunil's mere possession of these instruments, with the knowledge that they are meant for counterfeiting, makes him punishable under Section 489D. He could be sentenced to life imprisonment or a term up to ten years, and he may also be fined.