Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 487
repealedMaking a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods
Whoever makes any false mark upon any case, package or other receptacle containing goods, in a manner reasonably calculated to cause any public servant or any other person to believe that such receptacle contains goods which it does not contain or that it does not contain goods which it does contain, Or that the goods contained in such receptacle are of a nature or quality different from the real nature or quality thereof, shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Why this exists
This section protects the reliability of container labelling -- important for trade, customs inspections, and quality control, where people often judge what's inside a box by markings on the outside rather than opening every single container. False labelling can be used to dodge inspections, avoid duties, or pass off inferior goods as something better. The IPC was repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which now governs these offences.