Fake currency a threat to national security; cases must be dealt with sternly: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court recently denied bail to a man accused of supplying fake currency notes and from whose house fake ₹2,000 notes worth ₹3 lakh were recovered [Irshad @ Bhuru v The State NCT of Delhi].

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma rejected the bail plea filed by a man named Irshad alias Bhuru while observing that the supply and circulation of fake currency notes represent a serious threat to the economy, national security, and individual well-being.

Therefore, it is crucial for the courts to deal with such cases with a stern hand, the Court underlined.

“The present case raises grave concerns regarding the involvement of accused persons in the distribution and circulation of counterfeit currency notes. The illicit activities surrounding the supply and circulation of counterfeit currency notes pose multifaceted risks to both the economy and individuals within society,” the Court observed

The Court noted that the proliferation of counterfeit currency facilitates various forms of illicit activities, including money laundering, terrorism financing, and organized crime. It added that criminal syndicates often use counterfeit money.

The Court further noted that others who unknowingly come into the possession of counterfeit currency also face serious risks, financial losses, legal liabilities and damage to their reputations.

“Thus, in view of the above discussion, and considering the overall facts and circumstance of the case, seriousness of the offence, and the recoveries from the house and shop of the applicant/accused, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the applicant at this stage,” the Court concluded.

The accused was arrested on June 22, 2023 from his resident in Kairana Uttar Pradesh.

According to police, 150 fake ₹2,000 currency notes, valued at ₹3 lakhs, were recovered from his house.

Irshad argued that he has been falsely implicated in the case and that the police had planted the currency notes at his house.

The Court considered the arguments and rejected the bail application.

Advocate AK Suri appeared for accused, Irshad.

The State was represented through Additional Public Prosecutor Manoj Pant.

[Read Judgment]