Impounding Counterfeit Notes
Impounding counterfeit notes and issuing a receipt is the correct action for a bank to take upon detection of a counterfeit note at the counter. This is to ensure the security and integrity of the banking system and to protect both the bank and its customers from financial loss.

Reasons for Impounding:
There are several reasons why impounding the counterfeit note is the appropriate response:

1. Preventing Circulation: By impounding the counterfeit note, the bank ensures that it does not re-enter circulation and potentially cause harm to other unsuspecting individuals or businesses.

2. Legal Obligation: Banks have a legal obligation to report and impound counterfeit notes. Counterfeiting currency is a crime, and the authorities need to be notified so that appropriate action can be taken.

3. Investigation: Impounding the counterfeit note allows for further investigation by the bank and relevant authorities. This helps in identifying the source of the counterfeit notes and potentially apprehending those involved in counterfeiting activities.

4. Customer Awareness: When a counterfeit note is detected and impounded, the customer who unknowingly presented it is made aware of the situation. This can help prevent the customer from inadvertently passing on counterfeit notes in the future.

5. Preventing Loss: Impounding counterfeit notes helps protect the bank from financial loss. If counterfeit notes were returned to customers or exchanged with genuine notes, the bank would bear the cost of the counterfeit note.

Issuing a Receipt:
After impounding the counterfeit note, the bank should issue a receipt to the customer who presented it. This receipt serves as proof that the counterfeit note was detected and impounded by the bank. It also provides a record for both the bank and the customer in case any further actions or investigations are required.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, impounding counterfeit notes and issuing a receipt is the appropriate action for a bank to take upon detection of a counterfeit note at the counter. This ensures compliance with legal obligations, prevents circulation of counterfeit currency, aids in investigation, raises customer awareness, and protects the bank from financial loss.