There is no specific “section 420” in the Indian Constitution. However, the term “Section 420” is commonly used in the context of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which is the primary criminal code of India.

Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code deals with the offense of “Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property”. The section states:

“Whoever cheats and thereby dishonestly induces the person deceived to deliver any property to any person, or to make, alter or destroy the whole or any part of a valuable security, or anything which is signed or sealed, and which is capable of being converted into a valuable security, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

In essence, Section 420 of the IPC criminalizes the act of cheating, where a person dishonestly induces another to deliver any property or valuable security.

Regarding the current status of Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code:

• It remains an active and relevant section of the IPC, widely used in cases of financial fraud, scams, and other forms of cheating.
• The section has undergone some amendments over the years to address evolving forms of cheating and financial crimes.
• The application and interpretation of Section 420 are subject to judicial rulings and the evolving jurisprudence in the country.
• It continues to be an important legal provision in India’s criminal justice system, ensuring accountability and deterrence against fraudulent activities.

It’s important to note that the reference to “Section 420” is specifically in the context of the Indian Penal Code and not the Indian Constitution, as there is no such provision in the Constitution.