IPC Section 420
π Section 420 IPC β Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
This section deals with cheating, specifically when someone dishonestly deceives another person to deliver property, money, or valuable security.
πΉ Textual Meaning
Whoever dishonestly cheats any person and thereby induces that person:
To deliver any property, or
To make, alter, or destroy a valuable security or anything which is signed or sealed and capable of being converted into a valuable security
is punishable under Section 420 IPC.
In simple terms: Itβs cheating with the intent to fraudulently get property or valuable things.
πΉ Key Ingredients of Section 420 IPC
Cheating (Act of deception)
The accused must dishonestly deceive another person.
Cheating can be by words, conduct, or false representation.
Dishonest intention (Mens rea)
The act must be intentional and dishonest.
Mere mistake or misunderstanding is not sufficient.
Inducing delivery or action
The deception must induce the victim to:
Deliver property or money, or
Sign, make, alter, or destroy a valuable security.
Property or valuable security
Property can be movable or immovable.
Valuable security includes cheques, bonds, contracts, or other negotiable instruments.
πΉ Punishment
Imprisonment: Up to 7 years, and
Fine.
This is more serious than general cheating (Section 415β416 IPC), which may have lesser punishment, because Section 420 involves dishonest inducement of property or valuable security.
π Examples
A person sells a car by showing fake ownership papers and takes money.
Cheating + dishonest inducement β Section 420 IPC.
Someone offers a fake investment scheme promising high returns and collects money from people.
Inducing delivery of money by false representation β Section 420 IPC.
A person forges a signature on a cheque to withdraw money dishonestly.
Alters valuable security β Section 420 IPC.
πΉ Difference from Other Cheating Sections
| Section | Focus | Punishment | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 415/416 | Cheating generally | β€1 year | Misleading a buyer without property transfer |
| 420 | Cheating to dishonestly induce delivery of property/valuable security | β€7 years + fine | Fake investment scheme or forged cheque |
| 403/406 | Criminal breach of trust | β€3 years + fine | Misappropriating entrusted property |
β
In short:
Section 420 IPC punishes anyone who dishonestly cheats and induces another person to deliver property or valuable security, with imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
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