Can a person edit Mahatma Gandhi's photo on the currency note
In Civil Law
Answers (1)
the clean note policy of Reserve Bank of India and Banking Regulation Act clearly restrict any writing or inscription on the watermark window of currency notes, people still write or print on notes due to unawareness.
A new trend of printing the name of bridegroom and bride on the watermark window of currency notes has begun in Varanasi. TOI got a currency note in the denomination of Rs 10 in the local market on which `Ajay sung Neetu' was printed in red colour on the watermark window. This currency was sufficient to reveal that the printing was done to distribute the currency notes during the marriage ceremony of Ajay and Neetu. However, it was not clear from where this couple or their family belonged.
But, the most interesting aspect in this episode was the replies from bankers and police. When the officials of the State Bank of India, Kutchehri branch were contacted to know whether the act of printing on currency notes was right or wrong, they surely admitted that it was illegal. However, they suggested to contact the police to know what action could be initiated in such matter. The police did not hesitate to admit that except registering the cases of fake currency printing and running in market, they had not dealt such cases. Some lawyers like senior advocate Shrinath Tripathi were aware about the provision prescribed under Indian Penal Code. Tripathi said that under section 489E of IPC this act was punishable.
On the other hand, when the RBIs guidelines and Banking Regulation Act were checked it was found that writing on the watermark window of bank notes is punishable under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. In order to give the citizens good quality currency notes, the RBI had already prepared a Clean Note Policy and in November 2001 issued instructions to all the banks not only to do away the stapling of note packets but also urged members of public not to write on the currency notes.
The RBI surely issued a clear guideline in this regard several years ago but still there are no takers of it. The bankers who were surprised to see the name of bride and groom printed on a currency note did not forget to reveal that they had seen currencies with political slogans and symbols of parties in past. But, they had nothing to say when asked what action was initiated in such matter. The printing of names of bride and groom on currency notes to distribute in marriage ceremony is considered as an alarming trend by the same bankers as it could be followed by others due to unawareness of the prescribed norms.
While some people are beginning a new trend of utilizing the watermark window to remain memorable for long, the common people are still forced to write their contact details on the same window of higher denomination notes (Rs 500 or Rs 1000) by the telecom and other service providers at the time of bill clearance. This custom is followed to trace the origin of the note if it turns out fake.
The internet is not a lawyer and neither are you.
Talk to a real lawyer about your legal issue.

Disclaimer: The above query and its response is NOT a legal opinion in any way whatsoever as this is based on the information shared by the person posting the query at lawrato.com and has been responded by one of the Civil Lawyers at lawrato.com to address the specific facts and details. You may post your specific query based on your facts and details to get a response from one of the Lawyers at lawrato.com or contact a Lawyer of your choice to address your query in detail.
Related Questions
- What to do if there is a breach of contract
- Punishment for producing fake income certificate to get rebate in fee
- nuissance of a neighbours barking pet dog
- Can compensation be demanded from the government
- can govt demolish a village for widening a road
- If victim dies due to accident what is the legal consequences
"lawrato.com has handpicked some of the best Legal Experts in the country to help you get practical Legal Advice & help."
Related Articles
- Police Clearance Certificate for passport if criminal case pending
- How to file a case through lok adalat?
- How can I convert the panchayat approved land to a DTCP or CMDA
- Case was dismissed due to non appearance can I restore the case
- someone sending the legal notice i have not accepted what will happpen
- How to file a complaint in National Green Tribunal (NGT)? | Civil Law Guide
- Separation of powers in administrative law in India
- OBC Non Creamy Layer Income Limit 2019 Criteria
- punishment for false affidavit
- I got show cause notice from passport office please advise what to do
- What is the validity of an agreement on Rs 10 stamp paper
- What is the basic difference between Section / Rule / Article /Act
- What is the procedure and grounds for filing defamation case
- Have received court challan what to do.
- Police verification for govt job
- How to File Writ Petition?