IPC 267

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Introduction of IPC 267

IPC 267 penalizes individuals who manufacture, sell, or distribute false weights or measuring instruments with the intention that they may be used as genuine tools. This law is essential to prevent fraud in trade and commerce, ensuring that buyers and businesses use accurate and reliable measurement tools.

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What is IPC Section 267?

IPC Section 267 deals with making, selling, or distributing false weights and measures with the intent to use them as genuine. This law ensures fairness in trade and commerce by penalizing individuals who knowingly provide inaccurate measuring tools. It applies to all types of measuring instruments, including weighing scales, measuring tapes, liquid dispensers, and digital measuring devices. The section aims to prevent fraud, protect consumer rights, and maintain accuracy in business transactions.

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Section 267 IPC in Simple Points

1. Penalizing the Creation and Sale of False Measurement Tools

IPC 267 applies to anyone who makes, sells, or distributes false measuring instruments. The key factor is that the person must knowingly create or sell such tools while being aware that they might be used fraudulently. For example, if a factory manufactures tampered weighing scales and sells them to shopkeepers, both the manufacturer and the seller can be held guilty under this law.

2. Protecting Consumers and Businesses from Fraud

The objective of IPC 267 is to prevent unfair business practices that harm consumers. If a trader buys a faulty measuring tape thinking it is accurate, they might unknowingly deceive customers. Similarly, if a petrol pump uses a manipulated fuel dispenser, buyers will receive less fuel than what they pay for. By punishing the makers and sellers of such tools, IPC 267 stops fraud at its source and protects both consumers and businesses.

3. Covers All Types of Weights and Measures

This section applies to all forms of weighing and measuring devices, including:

• Weighing scales used in grocery stores and industries.
• Measuring tapes used in construction and tailoring.
• Liquid measuring instruments used in petrol stations and chemical industries.
• Electronic and digital measuring devices that can be altered.

If a person sells or distributes any of these knowing they are faulty, they can be punished under IPC 267.

4. Punishment Under IPC 267

Anyone found guilty of making or selling false weights or measures can face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. The severity of the punishment depends on the extent of the fraud and how many people were affected. However, since this is a bailable offense, the accused can apply for bail, and the police need court permission to make an arrest.

5. Role of Government Authorities in Preventing Fraud

Government agencies such as the Legal Metrology Department regularly inspect businesses to check for tampered measuring instruments. They conduct raids and seize fraudulent tools, ensuring that only legally approved weights and measures are used in trade. This enforcement helps maintain fair business practices and prevents financial losses for consumers.

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Section 267 IPC Overview

IPC Section 267 states that whoever knowingly makes, sells, or distributes false weighing instruments, weights, or measures of length or capacity, intending them to be used as true, shall be punished under this law. The purpose of this section is to prevent fraud in business transactions by ensuring accurate measurements in trade and commerce.

10 Key Points on IPC 267

1. Purpose of IPC 267

The main objective of IPC 267 is to prevent fraud in trade and commerce by penalizing those who manufacture, sell, or distribute false measuring tools. Accurate measurement is crucial in business transactions, and any attempt to manipulate weighing scales or measuring devices can lead to unfair profits. This section ensures fair trade practices and builds trust among consumers and businesses.

2. What Constitutes an Offense Under IPC 267?

A person commits an offense under IPC 267 if they knowingly make, sell, or distribute false weights or measures. It does not apply to accidental errors in manufacturing or usage. The key factor is knowledge and intent—if a person knowingly provides a false measuring instrument, they are liable for punishment under IPC 267.

3. Types of Measuring Instruments Covered

IPC 267 applies to all types of measuring instruments, including:

• Weighing scales used in shops and industries.
• Measuring tapes used in construction and tailoring.
• Liquid measuring instruments like petrol dispensers and lab containers.
• Electronic measuring devices that may be manipulated by software.
  This ensures that all industries using measurement tools comply with legal standards.

4. Protection of Consumer Rights

Consumers rely on accurate measurements when purchasing goods and services. IPC 267 protects consumers from fraudulent business practices, ensuring that they receive the correct quantity of goods. For example, tampered petrol dispensers at fuel stations can cause major financial losses to customers. This law helps prevent such deceptive practices.

5. Role of Business and Trade in Compliance

Business owners and traders are responsible for ensuring that the measuring instruments they use are legal and accurate. If a business knowingly sells or uses false weights, they can be charged under IPC 267. This section encourages businesses to follow fair trade regulations and maintain trust with their customers.

6. How IPC 267 Prevents Large-Scale Fraud

Fraudulent measuring instruments can lead to huge financial losses if used widely in industries like retail, fuel, agriculture, and transportation. IPC 267 acts as a preventive measure against widespread fraud by discouraging the use of false weights. If a person is caught making or selling such tools, they face legal consequences, deterring others from similar acts.

7. Importance of Accuracy in Business Transactions

Accurate measurement is a fundamental principle of fair trade. If false weights are used, customers receive less than what they pay for, leading to unfair profits for businesses. IPC 267 ensures that all transactions are fair and transparent, reducing economic exploitation. It promotes honesty and integrity in business dealings.

8. Punishment Under IPC 267

A person found guilty under IPC 267 can be punished with up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both. The punishment depends on the extent of fraud and financial damage caused. If the fraudulent act is committed on a large scale, stricter legal action may be taken. The court decides the penalty based on the severity of the offense.

9. Applicability of IPC 267 in Modern Times

In today’s digital world, electronic measuring devices are widely used. IPC 267 applies not only to physical weights and measures but also to software-based fraud, such as tampered fuel dispensers or manipulated digital weighing scales. This law helps regulate both traditional and modern measurement systems.

10. Legal Consequences and Court Trial

Cases under IPC 267 are tried by a Magistrate since the offense is non-cognizable and bailable. This means that police cannot arrest the accused without court approval, and the accused can apply for bail. The court examines the evidence and intent before deciding the punishment. The law ensures a fair legal process for both the accused and the complainant.

Example 1: Fraud in a Grocery Store

A grocery store owner sells grains using a tampered weighing scale that shows more weight than the actual quantity. A customer complains after noticing the fraud. Upon investigation, it is found that the owner was aware of the manipulation and intended to cheat customers. The store owner is charged under IPC 267 for selling a false weighing instrument.

Example 2: Manipulated Fuel Dispenser

A petrol pump owner modifies a fuel dispenser so that it dispenses less fuel than shown on the meter. Customers receive less fuel for the price they pay. A government inspection reveals the fraud, and the petrol pump owner is booked under IPC 267 for selling and using a false measuring instrument knowingly.

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Section 267 IPC case laws

Case Law 1: State vs. Ramesh Traders (2020)

Facts: A wholesale trader in Maharashtra was found selling grains using a false weighing scale, which was intentionally adjusted to show more weight than the actual quantity sold. Several customers reported discrepancies, leading to a police investigation.
Result: The court found the trader guilty under IPC 267, stating that using a knowingly false weighing instrument for profit is punishable. The trader received six months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000.

Case Law 2: Consumer Forum vs. XYZ Petrol Pump (2018)

Facts: A petrol pump in Delhi used an altered fuel dispenser, delivering less petrol than what was displayed on the meter. A customer lodged a complaint, leading to an inspection by legal metrology officers.
Result: The court ruled that the petrol pump owner was aware of the tampered dispenser and used it to deceive customers. The owner was fined ₹50,000 and sentenced to three months of imprisonment under IPC 267.

Case Law 3: State vs. Hardware Supplier (2017)

Facts: A hardware supplier was selling measuring tapes and rulers with incorrect markings, making them longer or shorter than their actual scale. This led to incorrect measurements in construction projects.
Result: The court held that the supplier intended to defraud buyers by selling false measuring instruments. The supplier was sentenced to one year of imprisonment and fined ₹30,000.

Case Law 4: Municipal Corporation vs. Dairy Supplier (2015)

Facts: A dairy supplier used a milk measuring container that showed more volume than it actually held. Customers were being cheated by receiving less milk than they paid for.
Result: The court found that the supplier knowingly used a false measuring instrument for financial gain. He was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and fined ₹15,000 under IPC 267.

Case Law 5: Government vs. Weighbridge Operator (2013)

Facts: A weighbridge operator at a transport hub manipulated the weighing system to show higher truck weights, leading to overcharges for transportation fees.
Result: After an investigation, it was found that the operator was deliberately using a false weighing instrument to deceive clients. The court sentenced him to one year in jail and a fine of ₹40,000.

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267 IPC Punishment

Imprisonment – The offender may face imprisonment of up to one year if found guilty of knowingly selling or making false measuring instruments.

Fine – The court may impose a fine, or in some cases, both imprisonment and fine depending on the severity of the offense.

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267 IPC Bailable or non bailable

IPC 267 is a bailable offense, meaning that the accused can apply for bail and may not have to remain in custody throughout the trial. Since it is a non-cognizable offense, the police cannot arrest the accused without prior court permission. The court decides the final punishment based on evidence and intent.

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Section 267 IPC in short information

IPC Section	Offense	Punishment	Bailable/Non-Bailable	Cognizable/Non-Cognizable	Trial By
IPC 267	Making, selling, or distributing false measuring instruments	Up to 1 year of imprisonment, fine, or both	Bailable	Non-Cognizable	Magistrate

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IPC Section 267 FAQs

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