# Short weight? False scales are a crime.

> Fraudulently using a false scale, weight or measure is an offence under sections 264 and 265 PPC. Keeping one to use fraudulently is section 266, and making or selling one is section 267. Each carries up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/short-weight-false-scales-are-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-22

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: A rigged scale is just bad business, not a crime.**
- **Fact: Fraudulently using a false scale, weight or measure is an offence under the PPC (ss.264, 265).**

## The law.

Section 265, PPC.

> "Whoever fraudulently uses any false weight or false measure of length or capacity, or fraudulently uses any weight or any measure of length or capacity as a different weight or measure from what it is, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine or with both." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 265)

## Four offences.

Sections 264 to 267, PPC.

- **False scale, s.264** Fraudulently using a scale he knows is false.
- **False weight, s.265** Fraudulently using a false weight or measure.
- **Keeping it, s.266** Possessing one, meaning to use it fraudulently.
- **Making it, s.267** Making or selling one he knows is false.

## How serious?

The prison term.

- **Each section** Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
- **Either description** Simple or rigorous, as the Court decides.

## Quick quiz. Under the counter.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. No, not until he uses it**
- **B. Yes, if he means to use it**
- **C. Only if a buyer complains**

## Answer: B. Section 266.

Possession with intent.

- **The rule** Possessing it, knowing it is false and intending fraudulent use.
- **So** Using it is not needed. Keeping it with that intent is enough.

## The procedure.

Sections 264 to 267, CrPC Schedule II.

- **Arrest** Shall not arrest without warrant.
- **Case** Summons. Bailable. Not compoundable.
- **Court** Magistrate of the first or second class.

## Check before you pay.

Simple habits at any shop.

- **Zero** The scale reads zero before anything goes on it.
- **Recheck** Weigh a sealed packet whose weight you already know.
- **Receipt** Ask for a bill showing the weight and the rate.

## What to do.

Three steps, in this order.

- **Note** The shop, the date, what you bought and the weight.
- **Witness** Someone who saw it, and the bill if you have one.
- **Magistrate** A complaint under ss.264 to 267 PPC (CrPC s.200).

## Short changed?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **A shop in my area uses a rigged scale. Which law applies and where do I complain?**
- **What is the punishment for using false weights under section 265 PPC?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 265: Fraudulent use of false weight or measure

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

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