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% 12.03.2025

1. The present application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 20231 (formerly Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 19732) seeks regular bail in proceedings arising from FIR No. 163/2023 dated 21st June, 2023 registered under Sections 489B/489C of the Indian Penal Code, 18603 at P.S. Special Cell (Delhi). Subsequently, a chargesheet was filed and the Applicant has been charged with offences under Sections 489B/489C/489D of IPC and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

3.4. Based on the Applicant's disclosure, a search was conducted at his residence, leading to the recovery of one lamination machine, one paper scaling and cutter machine, one scale, one paper cutting tool, one loose bundle/rim of papers, one loose bunch/rim of tracing papers, 35 tracing papers bearing the impression of '500' (green colour), 'RBI', '500', 'भारत', and pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, 30 semi-finished FICN seats, 3 wooden frames with imprints of numeral '500', one metallic clamping tool, 2 adhesive spray bottles, one bottle of glitter powder, one green foil paper roll, one glittering foil paper roll, one LED lamp, 8 plastic containers having ink, one plastic box having white colour paint, one box containing 5 LED lights with wires, 2 laptops, 2 printers used for preparing FICN and cash of INR 1,89,000/-. The recovered items were taken into police custody through seizure memos, and consequently, Section 489D of IPC was added to the present case.

4.3. The witnesses cited in chargesheet are also from the Special Cell, Delhi Police itself. Therefore, there is possibility of the Applicant influencing or pressurizing any witness.

4.4. A plain reading of the FIR and chargesheet does not disclose the This is a digitally signed order.

The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 12/03/2025 at 22:26:56 commission of offences under Sections 489B, 489C or 489D of IPC by the Applicant. While it is alleged that the Applicant was found in possession of fake currency, the prosecution has failed to produce any evidence demonstrating that he was engaged in counterfeiting, circulating or knowingly using FICN. The mere recovery of currency notes, without proof of active involvement in their printing or distribution, does not suffice to establish the ingredients of the alleged offences.

11. The charges against the Applicant are grave, invoking Sections 489B, 489C and 489D of IPC, which pertain to counterfeiting currency, along with Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The circulation of counterfeit currency poses a significant threat to the national economy, disrupting financial stability and regulatory mechanisms. The motives behind such activities often extend beyond mere profit and can contribute to economic destabilization by undermining liquidity and financial security. Counterfeiting is also closely linked to various other illegal activities, including drug trafficking, illicit arms trade, cross-border money laundering and human trafficking. The adverse impact of such operations on the economy is severe. In the present case, the Applicant was found in possession of FICN and the very existence of such counterfeit currency implies its intended circulation, as counterfeit notes serve no purpose unless introduced into the financial system.