IPC Section 65
IPC Section 65 — “Document”
Text of Section 65:
The word “document” includes every matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter.
Detailed Explanation:
1. What is a “Document” according to Section 65?
A document is not just a piece of paper.
It includes any material that contains some information or matter expressed or described in some form.
This information can be represented by:
Letters
Figures (numbers)
Marks
Or a combination of these.
2. Key Points
The document is defined by the expression of information, not by the medium.
It can be written on paper, cloth, metal, stone, electronic devices, or any other substance.
It must be intended to record some matter (information, fact, or data).
The document may or may not actually be used, but it should be capable of being used to record that information.
3. Why this Definition Matters
Many IPC offenses relate to documents, such as:
Forgery (Section 463)
Using forged documents (Section 471)
Destruction of documents (Section 204)
To prosecute these crimes, it is important to know what qualifies legally as a “document.”
This section ensures a broad and inclusive meaning of “document,” so that modern forms of records (like digital documents) are also covered.
4. Examples
A handwritten letter is a document.
A computer file or digital record (like a PDF or database entry) is a document because it expresses information.
Numbers written on a wall, a barcode, or even symbols representing data can be documents if they are meant to record information.
A painting with no letters or figures might not be a document, unless it is intended to record some information.
5. Modern Relevance
This definition is very useful today because:
Records are often kept electronically.
The law needs to apply to digital documents (emails, scanned copies, databases).
Section 65’s broad scope allows courts to include such electronic forms as “documents” under the IPC.
Summary:
“Document” means any material that records information by letters, figures, marks, or a combination of these.
It is broad and includes both physical and electronic forms.
This helps in applying IPC laws related to documents in many contexts.
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