Mr. 420

420 is not a new term among Indian citizens. When we were child we used to play game '420' with paper. We included it in our common vocabulary and used to tease those who would cheat us or take something from us without our knowledge. We use to mention any thief as '420'. "Charsaubeesi" is a term we used quite often everyday.

But, do we really know why we are using 420 specifically for addressing any cheater or thief?

Actually, there is a Section in INDIAN PENAL CODE (IPC) i.e., Section 420 which deals with the cases of cheating and awards punishments of fine or jail for up to 7 years.

A 420 is a person acting fraudulently to cheat somebody out of their belongings; a confidence trickster. Section 420 of the Penal Codes of both India and Pakistan cover such activity. The Penal Codes of both countries are inherited from the Indian Penal Code of 1860 instituted by the colonial government of the British India, which then included the present-day countries of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

It is to be noted that the code was also in use in other neighboring countries such as Myanmar, where even today the term 420 means a con-artist. In the Nigerian Criminal Code, the same offense is covered by article 419, which has also given its name to the now ubiquitous advance fee fraud.

In India, we can see the number everywhere, in bus, in train and even in our movies. For example, There is 'Shree 420' (Mr. 420) which is about a con man, though innocent and the movie has the most popular 'pyar hua iqraar hua' track!

Who could forget the evergreen rib tickling comedy-drama 'Chachi 420' where the man impersonates as a woman and cheats every other person around him.

420 is a part if Indian lingo and life. Though most of us don't know why particularly this number is used for addressing any cheater but still we are using it. Most of the time, we just prefer to be ignorant!!