IPC 231→BNS 178

IPC 231 to BNS 178: Counterfeiting coin

Section 231 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 178 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 231 →View BNS Section 178 →

IPC 231 to BNS 178 at a Glance

Section 231 IPC (Counterfeiting coin) is now Section 178 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is non-bailable and cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 231 to BNS 178?

Section 231 IPC is absorbed into Section 178 BNS, which consolidates counterfeiting coin, Government stamps, currency-notes, and bank-notes into one section. The Explanation to Section 231 IPC is retained as clause four of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS. The maximum term of imprisonment rises from seven years under Section 231 IPC to imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for up to ten years, under Section 178 BNS, and fine in both.

IPC 231 vs BNS 178: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section231178
OffenceCounterfeiting coinSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years.Imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years under Section 178 BNS.
FineThe offender shall also be liable to fine.The offender is also liable to fine under Section 178 BNS.
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceCognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByMagistrate of the first classSame

IPC 231 and BNS 178: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 231, IPC 1860

231. Counterfeiting coin.—Whoever counterfeits or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting coin, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—A person commits this offence who intending to practise deception, or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised, causes a genuine coin to appear like a different coin.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 178, BNS 2023

Whoever counterfeits, or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting, any coin, stamp issued by Government for the purpose of revenue, currency-note or bank-note, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter,— (1) the expression “bank-note” means a promissory note or engagement for the payment of money to bearer on demand issued by any person carrying on the business of banking in any part of the world, or issued by or under the authority of any State or Sovereign Power, and intended to be used as equivalent to, or as a substitute for money; (2) “coin” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in section 2 of the Coinage Act, 2011 (11 of 2011) and includes metal used for the time being as money and is stamped and issued by or under the authority of any State or Sovereign Power intended to be so used; (3) a person commits the offence of “counterfeiting Government stamp” who counterfeits by causing a genuine stamp of one denomination to appear like a genuine stamp of a different denomination; (4) a person commits the offence of counterfeiting coin who intending to practise deception, or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised, causes a genuine coin to appear like a different coin; and (5) the offence of “counterfeiting coin” includes diminishing the weight or alteration of the composition, or alteration of the appearance of the coin.

Ingredients: IPC 231 vs BNS 178

Under IPC 231
  1. Counterfeiting coin
  2. Knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting coin
  3. Causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin, intending to practise deception or knowing it to be likely that deception will thereby be practised
Under BNS 178
  1. Counterfeiting any coin, Government stamp, currency-note or bank-note
  2. Knowingly performing any part of the process of counterfeiting
  3. Causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin intending to practise deception or knowing that deception is likely to be practised
  4. Punishment of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and liability to fine

What IPC 231 to BNS 178 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 231 IPC (now Section 178 BNS): for an act done after the BNS came into force, counterfeiting coin is charged under Section 178 BNS, which consolidates coin and currency counterfeiting and carries a higher maximum penalty of imprisonment for life or up to ten years with fine.

FAQs: IPC 231 to BNS 178

What changed when Section 231 IPC became Section 178 BNS?▼

Section 178 BNS merges counterfeiting coin with counterfeiting Government stamps and currency into one offence. Clause four of the Explanation to Section 178 BNS preserves the rule on causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin. The maximum punishment increases from seven years under Section 231 IPC to imprisonment for life or up to ten years under Section 178 BNS, and fine.

Where does Section 231 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 178 BNS, in Chapter X, Of Offences Relating to Coin, Currency-Notes, Bank-Notes, and Government Stamps.

Does Section 231 IPC or Section 178 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 231 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 231 IPC. Section 178 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·