IPC Section 418
Section 418 IPC – Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender is bound to protect
This section deals with cheating committed by a person who is expected to protect someone’s interest but cheats them instead.
Main Provision
Whoever dishonestly cheats a person whom they are legally or morally bound to protect, knowing that such cheating may cause wrongful loss to that person, is punishable under this section.
Essentially, it is cheating by someone in a position of trust or responsibility.
Key Elements
Cheating
The act must qualify as cheating under Section 415 IPC:
Deception of a person
Inducing them to deliver property or act to their own or another’s loss
Position of Trust
The offender must be bound to protect the interest of the victim, either:
Legally (like a guardian, agent, trustee)
Morally (like a family member in charge of property)
Knowledge of Possible Loss
The offender knows that their act may cause wrongful loss to the person whose interest they are bound to protect.
Punishment
Imprisonment for up to 2 years, or
Fine, or
Both.
Purpose of Section 418
To protect people from deceit by those in positions of trust.
Recognizes that cheating by someone trusted is more serious than ordinary cheating.
Example
A guardian entrusted with a minor’s money sells the minor’s property dishonestly for personal gain.
This is punishable under Section 418 IPC because the guardian is bound to protect the minor’s interests.
An agent who is supposed to manage a client’s account cheats the client for personal gain.
Also falls under Section 418 IPC.
✅ In short:
Section 418 IPC punishes a person who cheats someone whose interests they are legally or morally bound to protect, knowing that such cheating may cause wrongful loss.
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