RBI/2018-19/04
DCM(FNVD)G – 1/16.01.05/2018-19
July
2, 2018
The Chairman/ Managing Director
/Chief Executive Officer
All Banks and
Director of Treasuries of all States
Dear Sir / Madam,
Master Circular – Detection and
Impounding of Counterfeit Notes
Please refer to the Master Circular DCM(FNVD)G - 4/16.01.05/2017-18 dated
July 20, 2017 consolidating the instructions issued till July
20, 2017, relating to Detection and Impounding of Counterfeit Notes.
The Master Circular has since
been updated by incorporating the instructions issued till date and has
been placed on the RBI website www.rbi.org.in.
The Master Circular is a
compilation of the instructions issued by RBI on the above subject which are
operational as on the date of this Circular.
Yours faithfully,
(Manas Ranjan Mohanty)
Chief General Manager
Encl: Master Circular
INDEX
CONTENTS
Para
No
|
Particulars
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1
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Authority to
Impound Counterfeit Notes
|
2
|
Detection of
Counterfeit Notes
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3
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Impounding of
Counterfeit Notes
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4
|
Issue of Receipt to
tenderer
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5
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Detection of
Counterfeit Notes – Reporting to Police and other bodies
|
6
|
Examination of
Banknotes Before Issuing over Counters, Feeding ATMs and Remitting to
Issue Offices of RBI
|
7
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Designating Nodal
Bank Officer
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8
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Establishment of
Forged Notes Vigilance Cell at Head Office of Banks
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9
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Provision of Ultra
– Violet Lamps and other Infrastructure
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10
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Reporting of Data
to RBI / Government
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11
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Preservation of
Counterfeit Notes Received from Police Authorities
|
12
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Detection of
Counterfeit Notes – Training of Staff
|
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Annex I
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Annex II
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Annex III
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Annex IV
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Annex V
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Annex VI
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Annex VII
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Annex VIII
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RESERVE
BANK OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF CURRENCY MANAGEMENT
MASTER CIRCULAR – 2018-19
Detection and Impounding of
Counterfeit Notes
Para 1- Authority to Impound
Counterfeit Notes
The Counterfeit Notes can be
impounded by-
i.
All
Banks
ii.
All
Treasuries and Sub-Treasuries.
iii.
Issue
Offices of Reserve Bank of India.
Para 2 - Detection of
Counterfeit Notes
Banknotes tendered over the
counter should be examined for authenticity through machines.
Similarly, banknotes received
directly at the back office / currency chest through bulk tenders should
also be examined through machines.
No credit to customer’s account
is to be given for Counterfeit Notes, if any, detected in the tender
received over the counter or at the back-office / currency chest.
In no case, the Counterfeit
Notes should be returned to the tenderer or destroyed by the bank branches
/ treasuries. Failure of the banks to impound Counterfeit Notes detected at
their end will be construed as wilful involvement of the bank concerned in
circulating Counterfeit Notes and penalty will be imposed.
Para 3 - Impounding of
Counterfeit Notes
Notes determined as counterfeit
shall be stamped as "COUNTERFEIT NOTE" and impounded in the
prescribed format (Annex I). Each such
impounded note shall be recorded under authentication, in a separate
register.
Para 4 - Issue of Receipt to
Tenderer
When a banknote tendered at the
counter of a bank branch/back office and currency chest or treasury is
found to be counterfeit, an acknowledgement receipt in the prescribed
format (Annex II) must be issued to the
tenderer, after stamping the note as in Paragraph 3 ibid. The receipt, in
running serial numbers, should be authenticated by the cashier and
tenderer. Notice to this effect should be displayed prominently at the
offices / branches for information of the public. The receipt is to be
issued even in cases where the tenderer is unwilling to countersign it.
Para 5 - Detection of
Counterfeit Notes - Reporting to Police and other bodies
The following procedure should
be followed while reporting incidence of detection of Counterfeit Note to
the Police:
For cases of detection of
Counterfeit Notes up to 4 pieces, in a single transaction, a consolidated
report in the prescribed format (Annex III)
should be sent by the Nodal Bank Officer to the police authorities or the
Nodal Police Station, along with the suspect Counterfeit Notes, at the end
of the month.
For cases of detection of
Counterfeit Notes of 5 or more pieces, in a single transaction, the
Counterfeit Notes should be forwarded immediately by
the Nodal Bank Officer to the local police authorities or the Nodal Police
Station for investigation by filing FIR in the prescribed format (Annex IV).
A copy of the monthly
consolidated report / FIR shall be sent to the Forged Note Vigilance Cell
constituted at the Head Office of the bank (only in the case of banks), and
in the case of the treasury, it should be sent to the Issue Office of the
Reserve Bank concerned.
Acknowledgement of the police
authorities concerned has to be obtained for note/s forwarded to them both
as consolidated monthly statement and for filing of FIR. If the Counterfeit
Notes are sent to the police by insured post, acknowledgement of receipt
thereof by the police should be invariably obtained and kept on record. A
proper follow-up of receipt of acknowledgement from the police authorities
is necessary. In case, any difficulty is faced by the Offices / Branches
due to reluctance of the police to receive monthly consolidated statement /
file FIRs, the matter may be sorted out in consultation with the Nodal
Officer of the police authority designated to coordinate matters relating to
investigation of Counterfeit Banknotes cases. The list of Nodal Police
Station may be obtained from the respective Regional Office of the Reserve
Bank of India.
In order to facilitate
identification of people abetting circulation of Counterfeit Notes, banks
are advised to cover the banking hall/area and counters under CCTV
surveillance and recording and preserve the recording.
Banks should also monitor the
patterns / trends of such detection and suspicious trends / patterns should
be brought to the notice of RBI / Police authorities immediately.
The progress made by banks in
detection and reporting of Counterfeit Notes to Police, RBI, etc. and
problems thereof, should be discussed regularly in the meetings of various
State Level Committees viz. State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Standing
Committee on Currency Management (SCCM), State Level Security Committee
(SLSC) etc.
The data on detection of
counterfeit Indian notes at bank branches and treasuries should be included
in the monthly Returns forwarded to the Reserve Bank Issue Offices as
indicated in para 10 below.
The definition of
'counterfeiting' in the Indian Penal Code covers currency notes issued by a
foreign government authority as well. In case of suspected foreign currency
note received for opinion from the police and government agencies, etc.,
they should be advised to forward the case to the Interpol Wing of the CBI,
New Delhi after prior consultation with them.
The Government of India has
framed Investigation of High Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency Offences
Rules, 2013 under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The
Third Schedule of the Act defines High Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency
Note. Activity of production, smuggling or circulation of High Quality
Counterfeit Indian Notes has been brought under the ambit of UAPA, 1967.
Para 6 - Examination of the
Banknotes before Issuing over Counters, Feeding ATMs and Remitting to Issue
Offices of the Reserve Bank
The banks should re-align their
cash management in such a manner so as to ensure that cash receipts in the
denominations of ?100 and above are not put into re-circulation without the
notes being machine processed for authenticity. The said instructions shall
be applicable to all bank branches, irrespective of the volume of daily
cash receipt. Any non-compliance will be construed as violation of the
instructions issued by the Reserve Bank.
In order to obviate complaints
regarding receipt of Counterfeit Notes through ATMs, and to curb
circulation of counterfeits, it is imperative to put in place adequate
safeguards / checks before loading ATMs with notes. Dispensation of
Counterfeit Notes through the ATMs would be construed as an attempt to
circulate the Counterfeit Notes by the bank concerned.
Detection of counterfeits in
chest remittances is also liable to be construed as wilful involvement of
the chest branches concerned in circulating Counterfeit Notes and may
attract special investigation by police authorities, and other action like
suspending the operation of the chest concerned.
Penalty at 100% of the notional
value of Counterfeit Notes, in addition to the recovery of loss to the
extent of the notional value of such notes, will be imposed under the
following circumstances:
a) When Counterfeit Notes are
detected in the soiled note remittance of the bank.
b) If Counterfeit Notes are
detected in the currency chest balance of a bank during Inspection / Audit
by RBI.
In terms of circular No.DPSS.CO.PD 2298/02.10.002/2011-12 dated June
20, 2012, the responsibility of ensuring the quality and genuineness
of cash loaded at White Label ATMs would be that of the Sponsor Bank. In
terms of Circular No.
DPSS.CO.PD.No.1621/02.10.002/2016-17 dated December 30, 2016, when
sourced from retail outlets, the White Label ATM Operator shall be solely
responsible for the quality and genuineness of currency notes dispensed
through ATMs.
Para 7 - Designating Nodal Bank
Officer
Each bank should designate a
Nodal Bank Officer, district-wise and notify the same to the Regional
Office of RBI concerned and Police Authorities. All cases of reporting of
Counterfeit Note detection as indicated in Para
5 should be done through the Nodal Bank Officer. The Nodal Bank
Officer will also serve as the contact point for all Counterfeit Note
detection related activities.
Para 8 - Establishment of Forged
Notes Vigilance Cell at Head Office of Bank
Each bank shall establish at its
Head Office, a Forged Note Vigilance (FNV) Cell to undertake the following
functions:
i.
Dissemination
of instructions issued by the Reserve Bank on Counterfeit Notes to bank’s
branches. Monitoring the implementation of these instructions. Compilation
of data on detection of Counterfeit Notes, and its submission to Reserve
Bank, FIU-IND and National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as per extant
instructions. Follow-up of cases of Counterfeit Notes, with police
authorities / designated nodal officer.
ii.
Sharing
of the information thus compiled with bank’s CVO and report to him / her
all cases of acceptance / issue of Counterfeit Notes over the counters.
iii.
Conducting
periodic surprise checks at currency chests where shortages / defective /
Counterfeit Notes etc. are detected.
iv.
Ensuring
operation of Note Sorting Machines of appropriate capacity at all the
currency chests / back offices and closely monitoring the detection of
Counterfeit Notes and maintaining the record of the same. Ensuring that
only properly sorted and machine examined banknotes are fed into the ATMs /
issued over the counters and to put in place adequate safeguards, including
surprise checks, both during the processing and in transit of notes.
FNV Cell shall submit status
report on a quarterly basis covering the aforesaid aspects to the Chief
General Manager, Department of Currency Management, Reserve Bank of India,
Central Office, Amar Building, Fourth Floor, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai
400 001 / to (email) and to the Issue
office of the Regional office of Reserve Bank under whose jurisdiction the
FNV Cell is functioning, within a fortnight from the conclusion of the
quarter under report. The said report should be sent by email. No hard copy need be sent.
In order to update the record of
the addresses of the FNV Cells, the bank shall furnish by e-mail, in the
prescribed format (Annex V), the address
etc. particulars to the Reserve Bank every year, as on 1st July. No hard
copy need be sent.
Para 9 - Provision of
Ultra-Violet Lamp and Other Infrastructure
With a view to facilitating the
detection of Counterfeit Notes, all bank branches / identified back offices
should be equipped with ultra-violet lamps / other appropriate banknote
sorting / detection machines. In addition, all currency chest branches
should be equipped with verification, processing and sorting machines and
should be used to their optimum capacity. Such machines should conform to
the guidelines on 'Note Authentication and Fitness
Sorting Parameters' prescribed by the Reserve Bank in May 2010.
The banks shall maintain a daily
record of the notes processed through the Note Sorting machines, including
the number of counterfeits detected.
The banks should also consider
providing at least one counting machine (with dual display facility) for
public use at the counter.
Para 10 - Reporting of Data to
RBI / NCRB / FIU-IND
By All Bank branches
Data on Counterfeit Notes
detected by all the branches of the bank shall be reported in the
prescribed format, on a monthly basis. A statement (Annex VI) showing the details of Counterfeit Notes detected in
the bank branches during the month shall be compiled and forwarded to the
Issue Office of Reserve Bank concerned so as to reach them by 7th of the
next month.
Under Rule 3 of Prevention of
Money Laundering Rules, 2005, Principal Officers of banks are also required
to report information on cash transactions where forged notes have been
used as genuine note to The Director, FIU-IND, Financial Intelligence Unit-
India, 6th Floor, Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021, within
seven working days, by uploading the information on the FINnet Portal.
Similarly, data on FICN detection is also to be uploaded on the web-enabled
software of National Crime Records Bureau, New Delhi at their website.
A “nil “report may be sent in
case no counterfeit has been detected during the month.
Para 11- Preservation of
Counterfeit Notes Received from Police Authorities
All Counterfeit Notes received
back from the police authorities / courts may be carefully preserved in the
safe custody of the bank and a record thereof be maintained by the branch
concerned. FNV Cell of the bank shall also maintain a branch-wise
consolidated record of such Counterfeit Notes.
These Counterfeit Notes at
branches should be subjected to verification on a half-yearly basis (on
31st March and 30th September) by the Officer-in-Charge of the bank office
concerned. They should be preserved for a period of three years from the
date of receipt from the police authorities.
They may thereafter be sent to
the Issue Office of Reserve Bank of India concerned with full details.
Counterfeit Notes, which are the
subject matter of litigation in the court of law should be preserved with
the branch concerned for three years after conclusion of the court case.
Para 12 - Detection of
Counterfeit Notes - Training of Staff
It is necessary to ensure that
the cash handling staff in banks and treasuries / sub-treasuries are fully
conversant with the security features of a banknote.
With a view to educating the
branch staff on detection of Counterfeit Notes, the design and security
features of all the banknotes shown in Annex
VII have been supplied to all the banks / treasuries with
instructions to display them prominently at the branches for information of
the public. Posters of the 2005-06 series of banknotes have also been
supplied to bank branches for display at the branches. Details of security
features of the New Design banknotes of ? 2000, ? 500, ? 200 and ? 50 are
available at the link https://www.paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in/
Details of other banknotes are
also available under ‘Know your Banknotes’ at the above link.
The Controlling Offices /
Training Centers should also organise / conduct training programmes on the
security features of banknotes for members of staff to enable detection of
Counterfeit Notes at the point of receipt itself. The banks should ensure
that all bank personnel handling cash are trained on features of genuine Indian
bank notes. The Reserve Bank will also provide faculty support and training
materials.
Annex
I
(Paragraph 3)
Each banknote, which, on
examination of various security features / parameters, is determined as a
counterfeit one, shall be branded with a stamp "COUNTERFEIT
BANKNOTE". For this purpose, a stamp with a uniform size of 5 cm x 5 cm with
the following inscription may be used.
COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTE IMPOUNDED
BANK / TREASURY/ SUB-TREASURY
BRANCH / CURRENCY CHEST
SIGNATURE
DATE
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Annex
II
(Paragraph 4)
Format
– Acknowledgement Receipt to be issued to the tenderer of Counterfeit Notes
Name of the Bank / Treasury/
Sub-treasury:
Address:
Serial Number of the Receipt:
________
Date: __________
The note (s) described below
received from……………………………. (Name and Address of the tenderer) is/are
counterfeit and has/have therefore been impounded and stamped accordingly.
Serial
number of the note deemed as counterfeit
|
Denomination
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Parameters
on which the note is deemed as counterfeit
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Total number of Counterfeit
Notes:
(Signature of the Tenderer)
(Signature
of the counter staff)
(Official
Seal)
Annex
III
(Paragraph 5)
Date:
_____________
Consolidated Monthly Reporting
for the month of ________
1. Name of the Bank / District:
2. Name and Address of the Nodal
Officer:
3. Detail of Counterfeit Notes:
Date
of detection
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Name
of branch / currency chest
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Details
of tenderer
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Denominations
/ pieces / serial numbers
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Security
features breached
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Unique
Reference Number (URN) generated by the NCRB Portal
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4. The Counterfeit Notes are
enclosed.
5. Kindly acknowledge receipt.
(Authorised signatory)
(Official Seal)
Encl:
Annex-
IV
(Paragraph 5)
Date:
_____________
Name of the Bank:
District:
Name and Address of the Nodal Bank Officer:
Ref. No. …………
The Sr. Inspector of Police
___________Police Station,
Dear Sir,
Detection of Counterfeit Note/s
– Request for investigation
We enclose the following
Counterfeit Notes detected in our office on ________. The details of the
Counterfeit Notes are furnished below.
2. As the printing and/or
circulation of forged Indian Currency Notes is an offence under Sections
489A to 489E of the Indian Penal Code, we request you to lodge FIR and
conduct the necessary investigation. In case it is decided to file criminal
proceedings in the court of law, you may first arrange to send the notes to
any of the Note Printing Presses, Forensic Science Laboratories etc. in
terms of the provisions of Section 292(1) and 292(3) of the Code of
Criminal Procedure for examination. The expert opinion furnished may be
produced in the court as evidence under Section 292 of the Criminal
Procedure Code. The forged notes may please be returned to us after the
completion of the investigation and/or proceedings in the court of law
along with the detailed report of the investigation / decision of the
court.
Denomination
/ No. of pieces
|
Serial
number of Counterfeit Note
|
Notional
Value
|
Details
of tenderer
|
Name
& address of the branch /currency chest where detection took place
|
Bank’s
Entry No.
|
Unique
Reference Number (URN) generated in the NCRB Portal
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3. The Counterfeit Notes are
enclosed.
4. Please acknowledge receipt.
Yours faithfully,
Authorised Signatory
Official Seal
Encl:
Annex
V
(Paragraph 8)
FORMAT FOR FURNISHING ADDRESS
ETC. PARTICULARS OF FORGED NOTE VIGILANCE CELL (FNVC) TO RBI
(TO BE FURNISHED BY E-MAIL ON
1ST JULY EVERY YEAR)
NAME
OF THE BANK
|
ADDRESS
OF FNVC (WITH PIN CODE)
|
NAME
AND DESIGNATION OF OFFICER-IN-CHARGE
|
TELEPHONE
NO (WITH CODE).
|
FAX
NO.
(WITH CODE)
|
E-mail
Address of the FNVC
|
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We note to intimate immediately
the changes, if any, in the particulars furnished above
Name of Authorised Official:
Designation
Date:
NB: The completed format, in
MS-Excel, should be transmitted by e-mail, to the following address-
E-mail
(No hard copy need be sent)
Annex
VI
(Paragraph 10)
Date:
_______________
Name of the bank / District:
Statement showing the details of
Counterfeit Banknotes detected in the_______________ during the month of
_______________
A. Details of Counterfeit Notes
detected:
Name
of branch / currency chest
|
Type
of detection
|
Denomination-wise
Details in pieces
|
Total
pieces
|
10
|
20
|
50
|
100
|
200
|
500
Old
|
500
New
|
1000
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2000
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FIR (FICN pieces )
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Non-FIR (FICN pieces)
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Total Pieces of banknotes
processed
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B) Details of FIR cases filed
with police:
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Pending
with Police at the
beginning of the month
(Cumulative Total)
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Sent
to Police during the month
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Returned
by the Police during the month
|
Pending
with the Police at
the end of the month
(Cumulative Total)
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No. of cases* where FIR was
filed
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Total pieces of FICN involved
in all the cases of FIR
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* Each FIR lodged comprises
one case.
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Forwarded to: -
1. The General Manager/Deputy
General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, Issue Department, ____________
(Signature)
Name & Designation of the Authorised Official
Official Seal
Annex
VII
(Paragraph 12)
Designs
of Bank Notes Issued by the Reserve Bank of India since 1967
Year
|
Size
|
Watermark
|
Front
|
Back
|
I.? 10 notes
|
|
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1967
|
137 x 63 mm
|
Ashoka Pillar
|
Purple colour. Numeral 10 in
the centre.
|
Value of the note in 14
languages. The oval seascape with country craft.
|
1968
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
Blue-black colour. Promise
clause, guarantee clause and signature printed in bilingual.
|
-do-
RBI’s name in Hindi added.
|
1969
|
-do-
|
-do-
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Blue Black colour. ‘Ten
Rupees’ instead of ‘Rupees Ten’.
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Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait.
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1970
|
-do-
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Ashoka Pillar with spinning
wheels.
|
Hindi version of RBI
incorporated in place of English and vice versa. Hindi rendering of
Guarantee clause, promise clause and Governor’s signature have been
interchanged. ??????? ???? incorporated. Watermark window and numbering panel
enlarged.
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Bilingual seal incorporated
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1975
|
-do-
|
-do-
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Dark brown, umber and blue
colour. Numeral ‘10’ printed in dark brown. Intaglio printing. Languages
scroll on left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right.
|
Pale brown, Ochre blue and
green colour. A circle with two Peacocks on branch of a tree. Deer,
horses, bird and lotus.
|
1992
|
-do-
|
-do-
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Overall colour scheme in pale
pink, magenta and yellow
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Shalimar garden
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1996
|
-do-
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Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with
multidirectional lines in the watermark window.
|
Overall colour scheme in mauve
brown, orange and pink. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Embedded security
thread containing the words '???? RBI’ readable on both sides when held against light.
|
Intricate guilloche and floral
patterns with profiles of an elephant, rhinoceros and tiger’s faces.
Value of note in 15 Indian languages.
|
2006
|
-do-
|
The portrait of Mahatma
Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the
denominational numeral 10 appear in this section and these can be viewed
better when the banknote is held against light.
|
Machine readable windowed
demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions
'Bharat' (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides
under UV light. (Generic).
Width: 1.4 mm
Dual coloured optical fibres.
The small floral design
printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the note in
the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark has an accurate
back-to-back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen
against the light.
|
Year of printing is
incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote.
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2011
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
The banknotes will continue to
have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
2016
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, the numerals in
both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from
left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix)
will remain constant in size
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2018
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63 mm x 123 mm
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? 10 denomination banknotes in
the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and
electrotype (10) watermarks
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The base colour of the note is
Chocolate Brown. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning
with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.
See through register with denominational numeral 10 Denominational
numeral ?? in Devnagari, Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the
centre, Micro letters 'RBI', ‘???? ', ‘INDIA' and '10', Windowed demetalised security
thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI, Guarantee Clause, Governor's signature with
Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait,
Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right, Number panel with numerals growing
from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side.
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The new denomination has motif
of Sun Temple, Konark on the reverse, depicting the country's cultural
heritage. Year of printing of the note on the left, Swachh Bharat logo
with slogan, Language panel, Denominational numeral ?? in
Devnagari.
|
II. ?.20 notes
|
1972
|
147X63mm
|
Ashoka Pillar
|
Saffron colour. Ashoka Pillar
emblem on the right and language panel on the left side.
|
Bold lettering in Hindi
appears centrally in a horizontal panel, flanked by figures 20 at the
corner. Picture of Parliament House. On the left value in Indian
languages.
|
1975
|
-do-
|
Small Ashoka Pillar with chain
of spinning wheels. Resin treated paper
|
Red, blue, mauve and pale
yellow colour. Numerical 20 in dark mauve on a light yellow lotus shaped
design. Language scroll on the left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right.
The printing bleeds off on all sides but not in corners, which are paper
white. Bilingual names, clauses and signature.
|
Dry offset printing. Red, blue
and mauve colour. Chariot wheel of Konark Sun temple at the centre.
Watermark window in pale blue is surrounded by an ornamental design in
perfect register with corresponding design on obverse of the note.
|
2001
|
-do-
|
Mahatma Gandhi Portrait
|
The security thread totally
embedded with the letters "Bharat" (in Hindi) and
"RBI" The colour is predominantly reddish orange. The Ashoka
Pillar has been replaced by the Mahatma Gandhi's Portrait in dark red
while the Ashoka Pillar has been shifted to the left side bottom corner
and the size is smaller. The numeral 20, RBI seal, Mahatma Gandhi's
Portrait, RBI Legend, Guarantee and Promise clauses, Governor's Signature
and Ashoka Pillar inset are in intaglio. The words RBI and the numeral 20
in Micro letters appear alternatively behind the Mahatma Gandhi's
Portrait. An identification mark by way of a small vertical rectangle in
raised form appears on the left side of the note to facilitate the
visually impaired to identify the denomination of the note. The numbers
in the number panel are printed in red.
|
The central theme depicts the
Indian coastal line with coconut grooves. The value of the note appears
in 15 languages in a vertical panel in the left hand side.
|
2006
|
-do-
|
The portrait of Mahatma
Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the
denominational numeral 20 appear in this section and these can be viewed
better when the banknote is held against light
|
Machine readable windowed
demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions
'Bharat' (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides
under UV light (Generic).
Width: 1.4 mm
Dual coloured optical fibres.
The small floral design
printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the note in
the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark has an accurate
back-to-back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen
against the light.
|
Year of printing is
incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote.
|
2012
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
The banknotes will continue to
have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
2016
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
The numerals in both the
number panels will be in ascending size from left to right while the
first three alpha-numeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in
size.
The numeral “20”, RBI seal,
Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, RBI legend, Guarantee and promise clause,
Governor’s signature, Ashoka Pillar emblem which were hitherto printed in
intaglio (raised printing) are now being printed in offset (without any
raised printing).
Further, rectangular
identification mark on the left of the banknote has been removed.
While there is no change in
the colour at the reverse, the colour at the obverse is lighter (due to
removal of intaglio printing).
The vertical band on the right
side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait hitherto contained a latent image
showing the denominational numeral “20”.The latent image was visible only
when the banknote was held horizontally at eye level. This feature is no
longer present.
|
-do-
|
III. ?50 notes
|
1975
|
147X73mm
|
Ashoka Pillar with chain of
wheels.
|
Mauve colour with hues of blue
green and purple. Numeral 50 in dark brown. Language scroll on left and
Ashoka Pillar emblem on right. Printing bleeds off on all sides except at
corners.
|
Mauve, brown and yellow
colours. Parliament House at the centre. Watermark window in pale mauve,
surrounded by an ornamental design, which is in perfect register with
corresponding design on the obverse.
|
1981
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
Intaglio-fast blue, yellow
red. Ashoka Pillar and languages in deep violet colours, rest in deep
green and brown colours. ??????? ???? below Ashoka Pillar emblem.
|
Dry offset-yellowish brown and
body in deep purple colour. Parliament House with National flag on top
|
1997
|
-do-
|
Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi
with multidirectional lines in the window.
|
Yellow, blue and violet
colour. Ashoka Pillar replaced by Mahatma Gandhi Portrait in blue.
Security thread totally embedded inside the note the letters ‘????’
and 'RBI’. A small black solid square on the left hand side of the
watermark to help the visually impaired to identify the denomination of
the note.
|
A panoramic view of India’s
Parliament House with floral patterns above and filigree patterns on the
sides. The value of the note in 15 Indian languages.
|
2005
|
-do-
|
The portrait of Mahatma
Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the
denominational numeral 50 appear in this section and these can be viewed
better when the banknote is held against light
|
Machine readable windowed
demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions
‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides
under U.V.light –width 1.4 mm. The Intaglio Printing i.e. raised prints
is more prominent in the name of the Bank in Hindi and English, the
Reserve Bank Seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on
the left, RBI Governor’s signature. A square in intaglio on the left of
the watermark window with increased depth of engraving helps the visually
impaired to identify the denomination. Optical fibres are in dual colour.
The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back
(filled up) of the banknote in the middle of the vertical band next to
the watermark window has an accurate back-to-back registration so that
the numeral appears as one when seen against the light.
|
Year of printing is
incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote.
|
2012
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
The banknotes will continue to
have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
2015
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, the numerals in
both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from
left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix)
will remain constant in size
|
-do-
|
2016
|
-do-
|
- do-
|
The numeral ‘50’, RBI seal,
Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, RBI legend, Guarantee and promise clause,
Governor’s signature, Ashoka Pillar emblem which were hitherto printed in
intaglio (raised printing) are now being printed in offset (without any
raised printing).
Further, square-shaped
identification mark on the left of the banknote has been removed. While
there is no change in the colour at the reverse, the colour at the obverse
is lighter (due to removal of intaglio printing).
The vertical band on the right
side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait hitherto contained a latent image
showing the denominational numeral ’50’. The latent image was visible
only when the banknote was held horizontally at eye level. This feature
is no longer present.
|
-do-
|
2017
|
66 mm x 135 mm
|
? 50 denomination banknotes in
the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and
electrotype (50) watermarks
|
The base colour of the note is
Fluorescent Blue.
See through register with denominational numeral 50, Denominational
numeral ?? in Devnagari, Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the
centre, Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘????’, ‘INDIA’ and ‘50’, Windowed demetalised security
thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI, Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with
Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait,
Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right, Mahatma Gandhi portrait and
electrotype (50) watermarks, Number panel with numerals growing from small
to big on the top left side and bottom right side.
|
Year of printing of the note
on the left, Swachh Bharat logo with slogan, Language panel, Motif of
Hampi with Chariot, Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari.
|
IV ? 100 notes
|
1967
|
157X73mm
|
Ashoka Pillar
|
Blue colour. Numeral 100
appears prominently in centre. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right.
|
Vertical panel of 14 Indian
languages on left. Hirakud Dam in the background in a circular frame.
|
1969
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
Blue colour and promise
clause, Guarantee clause and Governor's signature in bilingual.
|
Picture of Mahatma Gandhi in a
sitting posture with Sevagram Ashram in the background in a circular
frame.
|
1975
|
-do-
|
Ashoka Pillar with spinning
wheels.
|
Intaglio deep blue with hues
of blue, brown, pink and dark green. Numeral 100 in dark blue. Watermark
window light blue. RBI's name, promise clause, Guarantee clause and
Governor's signature in bilingual. Language scroll on left and Ashoka
Pillar emblem on right. Printing bleeds off on all sides except at
corners.
|
Intaglio deep blue and brown
shade of corn, agricultural operations, Tea plantation and hydroelectric
power project. ‘Watermark’ window is surrounded by an ornamental design,
which is in perfect register with similar design on the obverse.
|
1979
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
One side intaglio blue, red
and deep green, Tints of reddish and yellowish green shade. ???????
???? below Ashoka Pillar emblem.
|
Dry-offset. Black and maroon
colours. Tint design in greenish blue and brownish shades.
|
1996
|
-do-
|
Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi
with multidirectional lines in the watermark window.
|
Printed with the combination
of offset and intaglio process. overall colour is predominantly blue,
grey and green. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. A windowed security thread
partly visible from the front but totally embedded inside. Letters ‘????’
and ‘RBI’ printed on the thread.
A small black solid triangle
in intaglio on left hand side of the watermark to help the visually
impaired to identify the denomination of the note.
|
Central theme depicts a
panoramic view of the Kanchangunga range with floral patterns above and
filigree patterns on the sides. The value of note appears in 15 languages
on the left hand side.
|
2005
|
-do-
|
The portrait of Mahatma
Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the
denominational numeral 100 appear in this section and these can be viewed
better when the banknote is held against light.
|
Machine-readable windowed
demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions
‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) and RBI on notes of Rs.100 with exclusive colour
shift. Colour of the thread shall shift from green to blue when viewed
from different angles. It will fluoresce in yellow on the reverse
and the text will fluoresce on the obverse under U.V.light –width – 2
m.m.
The Intaglio Printing i.e.
raised prints is more prominent in the name of the Bank in Hindi and
English, the Reserve Bank Seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka
Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor’s signature. A triangle in
intaglio on the left of the watermark window with increased depth of
engraving helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination.
Optical fibres are in dual colour. The small floral design printed both
on the front (hollow) and back(filled up) of the banknote in the middle
of the vertical band next to the watermark window has an accurate back to
back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against
the light.
|
Year of printing is
incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote.
|
2011
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the obverse of the banknotes, on
the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational
numeral).
|
The banknotes will continue to
have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was
introduced on the reverse of the banknotes on the top left and top right
corner (along with the denominational numeral).
|
2015
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
-do-
In addition, the numerals in
both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from
left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix)
will remain constant in size.
In addition, easy to identify
markings for visually impaired in the form of four angular bleed lines on
both left and right of the obverse side of banknotes. Increase in size of
the identification mark (triangle) by 50 per cent.
|
-do-
|
V. ? 200 Notes – Mahatma
Gandhi (New) Series
|
2017
|
66 mm × 146 mm
|
? 200 denomination banknotes
in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and
electrotype (200) watermarks
|
The base colour of the note is
Bright Yellow. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning
with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.
See through register with denominational numeral 200 Latent image with
denominational numeral 200 Denominational numeral ??? in
Devnagari Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘????’,
‘India’ and ‘200’ Windowed security thread with inscriptions ‘????’
and RBI with colour shift. Colour of the thread changes from green to
blue when the note is tilted Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with
Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait
Denominational numeral with Rupee Symbol, ? 200 in colour changing ink
(green to blue) on bottom right Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right Number
panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and
bottom right side For
visually impairedIntaglio
or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem,
raised Identification mark H with micro-text ? 200, four angular bleed
lines with two circles in between the lines both on the right and left
sides
|
Motif of Sanchi Stupa on the
reverse, depicting the country’s cultural heritage.
Year of printing of the note on the left Swachh Bharat logo with slogan
Language panel Motif of Sanchi Stupa Denominational numeral ??? in
Devnagari Dimension
|
VI. ?500 notes – Mahatma
Gandhi (New) Series
|
2016
|
66mm x150 mm
|
Mahatma Gandhi portrait and
electrotype (500) watermarks
|
Issued in the Mahatma Gandhi
(New) Series, the new ? 500 banknotes are different from the earlier specified
bank note (SBN) series in colour, size, theme, location of security
features and design elements.
The colour of the note is
stone grey.
The orientation and relative
position of the Mahatma Gandhi portrait has changed.
The banknote also has features
(intaglio printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem,
bleed lines, circle with ? 500 in the right, and the identification mark)
which enable the visually impaired person to identify the denomination.
|
The new theme is the Indian
heritage site Red Fort with the Indian flag.
The year of printing “2016”
and Swachh Bharat logo is printed on the reverse.
The 15 language panel is
towards the centre.
|
VII. ?2000/- notes – Mahatma
Gandhi (New) Series
|
2016
|
66mm x 166 mm
|
Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype
(2000) watermarks.
|
Issued in the Mahatma Gandhi
(New) Series.
The base colour of the note is
magenta. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the
overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.
The salient features are :
1. See through register with
denominational numeral 2000
2. Latent image with
denominational numeral 2000
3. Denominational numeral ???? in
Devnagari
4. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi
at the centre
5. Micro letters ‘RBI’ and
‘2000’ on the left side of the banknote
6. Windowed security thread
with inscriptions ‘????’, RBI and 2000 on banknotes with colour shift. Colour
of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted
7. Guarantee Clause,
Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right
8. Denominational numeral with
Rupee Symbol, ? 2000 in colour changing ink (green to blue) on bottom
right
9. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the
right Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (2000) watermarks
10. Number panel with numerals
growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side. For
visually impaired Intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait,
Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed lines and identity mark
11. Horizontal rectangle with
? 2000 in raised print on the right
12. Seven angular bleed lines
on left and right side in raised print.
|
The salient features are :
1. Year of printing of the
note on the left
2.Swachh Bharat logo with
slogan
3.Language panel towards the
centre
4. Motif of Mangalayan
depicting the country’s first venture into interplanetary space.
5.Denominational numeral ???? in
Devnagari
|
Annex
VIII
List
of Circulars Consolidated in this Master Circular
S.
No.
|
Circular
Ref. No.
|
Date
|
Subject
|
Para
of Master Circular
|
1
|
DCM FNVD G 16/16.01.01/2003-04
|
18-Dec-03
|
Issue of Forged Notes through
ATM
|
Para 6
|
2
|
DCM FNVD G
31/16.01.01/2003-04
|
8-Apr-04
|
Detection of Forged Notes -
Issue of receipt to tenderers
|
Para 4
|
3
|
DCM FNVD G 3/16.02.03/2004-05
|
6-Jul-04
|
Detection of Forged Notes -
Issue of receipts
|
Para 4
|
4
|
DCM FNVD G 23/16.01.01/2005-06
|
7-Dec-05
|
Issue of Counterfeit Banknotes
through ATMs – Constitution of Forged Note Vigilance Cell
|
Para 6 & 8
|
5
|
DCM FNVD G 37/16.08.08/2006-07
|
28-Mar-06
|
Detection of Counterfeit
Banknotes at ATMs of the banks
|
Para 6 & 8
|
6
|
DCM FNVD G 18/16.08.08/2006-07
|
1-Jun-07
|
Detection of Counterfeit
Banknotes in chest remittances received from banks
|
Para 6
|
7
|
DCMNo.Dir.NPD.3158
/09.39.00/2009-10
|
19-Nov-09
|
Sorting of Notes –
Installation of Note Sorting Machines
|
Para 6
|
8
|
DCM.No.Cir.NPD.
3161/09.39.00 (Policy)/2009-2010
|
19-Nov-09
|
Sorting / Processing of Notes
– Installation of Note Sorting Machines
|
Para 9
|
9
|
DCM(R&D)No.G-26/18.00.14/2009-10
|
11-May-10
|
Installation of Note Sorting
Machines- Note Authentication and Fitness Sorting Parameters
|
Para 9
|
10
|
DCMFNVD No.
502/16.01.05/2011-12
|
25-Jul-11
|
Detection of Counterfeit Bank
Notes – Revised Procedure
|
Para 5
|
11
|
DCM(FNV)No.5063/16.02.22/2011-12
|
9-May-12
|
Detection and Reporting
Mechanism of Counterfeit Notes – Monetary Policy 2012-13
|
Para 6
|
12
|
DPSS CO.PD
2298/02.10.002/2011-12
|
20-Jun-12
|
White Label ATMs in India -
Guidelines
|
Para 6
|
13
|
DCMFNVD
No.2165/16.21.005/2012-13
|
16-Nov-12
|
Detection and Reporting of
Counterfeit Notes – Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2012-13
|
Para 6
|
14
|
DCMFNVD
No.776/16.01.05/2015-16
|
26-Aug-15
|
Detection of Counterfeit Notes
- Review
|
Para 2
|
15
|
DCM FNVD No.
1134/16.01.05/2016-17
|
27-Oct-16
|
Detection and Impounding of
Counterfeit Notes
|
Para 5
|
16
|
DPSS.CO.PD.No.1621/02.10.002/2016-17
|
30-Dec-16
|
White Label ATM Operators
(WLAOs) - Sourcing of cash from retail outlets
|
Para 6
|
17
|
DCM (FNVD) G-7/16.01.05/17-18
|
15 Jan 2018
|
Detection and Impounding of
Counterfeit Notes – Filing of FIR
|
Para 5
|
|