Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 463
repealedForgery
Whoever makes any false document or false electronic record or part of a document or electronic record with intent to cause damage or injury, to the public or to any person, or to support any claim or title, or to cause any person to part with property, or to enter into any express or implied contract, or with intent to commit fraud or that fraud may be committed, commits forgery.
Why this exists
Documents and records, whether on paper or electronic, are the backbone of trust in transactions, contracts, and official processes. This section protects that trust by making it a crime to fabricate such records for dishonest purposes, since a false document can cause real harm even before anyone acts on it, by deceiving people about ownership, agreements, identity, or facts.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Forgery only means copying someone's signature.
Fact: Forgery covers making any kind of false document or electronic record with a dishonest purpose, which can include fake contracts, fabricated certificates, or altered records, not just signatures.