Official Text
“Whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be counterfeit, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Fraudulently or dishonestly using.
- Counterfeit government stamps.
- Knowing it to be counterfeit.
Potential Defenses:
- No fraudulent use.
- Unaware of counterfeit nature.
- Acting in good faith.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Using fake revenue stamps, applying counterfeit tax marks, employing false government stamps.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Using genuine stamps, unaware of counterfeit nature, or acting in good faith.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 7 years, and Fine