Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 472
repealedMaking or possessing counterfeit seal, etc., with intent to commit forgery punishable under section 467
Whoever makes or counterfeits any seal, plate or other instrument for making an impression, intending that the same shall be used for the purpose of committing any forgery which would be punishable under section 467 of this Code, or, with such intent, has in his possession any such seal, plate or other instrument, knowing the same to be counterfeit, shall be punishable with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Why this exists
Forgers often need special tools -- fake seals, embossing plates, or stamps -- to make their fakes look convincing. This section lets the law step in at the tool-making stage itself, before any document is actually forged, specifically for tools meant to support the most serious category of forgery (wills, valuable securities). The IPC was repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which now governs these offences.