Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 207
repealedFraudulent claim to property to prevent its seizure as forfeited or in execution
Whoever fraudulently accepts, receives or claims any property or any interest therein, knowing that he has no right or rightful claim to such property or interest, or practices any deception touching any right to any property or any interest therein, intending thereby to prevent that property or interest therein from being taken as a forfeiture or in satisfaction of a fine, under a sentence which has been pronounced, or which he knows to be likely to be pronounced by a Court of Justice or other competent authority, or from being taken in execution of a decree or order which has been made, or which he knows to be likely to be made by a Court of Justice in a civil suit, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
Courts often order that a person's property be seized — either as a fine, a punishment, or to satisfy a debt in a civil case. Section 207 was created to stop people from cheating this process by pretending someone else owns the property, or falsely claiming rights over it, just so the court cannot take it. It protects the fairness and effectiveness of court orders and makes sure judgments aren't defeated through fraud.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: You can avoid losing property by simply putting it in someone else's name at the last moment.
Fact: If done dishonestly to escape a court-ordered seizure or fine, this is a punishable fraud under Section 207, not a valid legal loophole. - Myth: This section only applies to criminal fines.
Fact: It also applies to property being taken to satisfy a civil court's decree or order, not just criminal penalties.